Determination of Trace Pt,Pd,Ir and Au in Ores by Copper Fire Assay Collection-Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry

A method for the determination of trace Pt, Pd, Ir and Au in ores by copper fire assay collectionglow discharge mass spectrometry was developed. The conditions for copper fire assay collection, electrode matching in glow discharge and mass spectrometric analysis were optimized. The method has been applied to the determination of these elements in precious metal ores and the results are 1.99~15.0 μg for Pt with recovery of 92.0%~111.9%, 3.15~29.78 μg for Pd with recovery of 88.4%~113.3%, 0.12~0.60 μg for Ir with recovery of 68.3%~100.0% and 10.43~24.08 μg for Au with recovery of 98.9%~127.0%. The method is suitable for determination of precious metals in ores, minerals and other materials.