Proficiency Testing Program for Mineral Analysis Laboratories
The Canadian Certified Reference Materials Project (CCRMP) has operated the Proficiency Testing Program for Mineral Analysis Laboratories (PTP—MAL) since 1997.
PTP—MAL operates in full accord with ISO/IEC 17043 standard, “Conformity Assessment – General requirements for the competence of proficiency testing providers” to respond to the needs of Canadian and international mineral analysis laboratories.
PTP—MAL is a means by which a mineral analysis laboratory can assess its performance for one or more analytical methods independently of internal quality control. Moreover, participation in the program is obligatory if a laboratory is to be accredited or is to retain its accreditation for mineral analysis activities by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) to ISO/IEC 17025 "General requirements for the competence of calibration and testing laboratories."
PTP—MAL conducts two test cycles annually, Spring (registration in February) and Autumn (registration in September). Each cycle includes four test samples that have the approximate concentration range of the metals specified in Table 1.
Table 1. Concentration Range of Metals
| Metal | Au | Ag | Co | Cu | Ni |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concentration Range | 0.1–15 µg/g | 1–1000 µg/g | 0.0001–0.1% | 0.0001–2 % | 0.0001–2 % |
| Metal | Pb | Pd | Pt | Zn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concentration Range | 0.0001–2 % | 0.1–3 µg/g | 0.1–3 µg/g | 0.0001–3 % |
Table 2. Price List
| Description | Price (CAD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Cycle | Basic fee includes one set of four test samples (70 g each) and the assessment of one method per metal, for up to 9 metals | 750.00 |
| Each additional set of test samples with no data assessment | 375.00 | |
| Data assessment for each additional method per metal | 40.00 | |
| Shipping and handling of foreign shipments if no courier account number provided by client | 150.00 | |
| Remedial Sets | One set of remedial samples with no data assessment | 600.00 |
| One set of additional remedial samples with no data assessment | 375.00 | |
| Data assessment for each method/metal | 100.00 | |
| Shipping and handling of foreign shipments if no courier account number provided by client | 150.00 |
The PTP—MAL Guide is available upon request.