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Determination of Ag, Au, Cu and Zn in ore samples from two Mexican mines by various thermal and epithermal NAA techniques

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Abstract

Concentrations of Ag, Au, Cu and Zn were determined via neutron activation analysis in ore prospecting samples from the Cozamin and Tizapa Mexican mines. Ag concentrations were determined by applying cyclic epithermal neutron activation analysis. The method combined with an automated fast-pneumatic transfer system allows increased sample through-put which improves the analytical precision in silver prospecting. Combinations of thermal, epithermal and Compton suppression NAA were used to improve signal-to-noise ratios. Mining depths with significantly higher levels of Ag were determined. Reference material concentrations for quality control were found to be in good agreement with the certified values.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unidad Académica de Estudios Nucleares, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Ciprés 10 Frac. La Peñuela, 98068, Zacatecas, Mexico

    N. Rodríguez

  2. Nuclear Engineering Teaching Lab, The University of Texas at Austin, Pickle Research Campus R-9000, Austin, TX, 78712, USA

    M. Yoho & S. Landsberger

Authors
  1. N. Rodríguez
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  2. M. Yoho
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  3. S. Landsberger
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Correspondence to S. Landsberger.

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Rodríguez, N., Yoho, M. & Landsberger, S. Determination of Ag, Au, Cu and Zn in ore samples from two Mexican mines by various thermal and epithermal NAA techniques. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 307, 955–961 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-015-4277-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-015-4277-0

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