5.1 This guide is intended as a means for obtaining an extract from mine rock and soil samples to measure cyanide content in the aqueous portion of the sample on a dry weight basis. Cyanide is analyzed in mine rock and soil extracts for measurement of cyanide concentration; however, improper sample collection and extraction can result in significant positive or negative bias.

5.2 This guide is designed to mobilize aqueous cyanides present in the solids, so that the resulting extract can be used to assess leachate that could potentially be produced from mine rock or soil.

5.3 This guide is not intended to simulate actual site leaching conditions.

5.4 This guide produces extracts that are amenable to the determination of trace cyanides. When trace cyanides are being determined, it is especially important that precautions be taken in sample preservation, storage, and handling to avoid possible contamination of the extracts.

5.5 This guide uses a comparative test method and is intended for use as a routine method for monitoring mine rock and soils. It is assumed that all who use this guide will be trained analysts capable of performing it skillfully and safely. It is expected that work will be performed in a properly equipped laboratory applying appropriate quality control practices such as those described in Guide D3856.

5.6 This guide identifies proper methods for obtaining mine rock and soil samples for the specific purpose of measuring cyanide concentrations.