We’re proud to announce the world’s first Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) featuring gold certified using Bismuth Collection Fire Assay, a major analytical breakthrough developed by Bureau Veritas Minerals in Perth, Western Australia. This innovation marks a significant step forward for laboratories seeking high-performance QA/QC solutions that also support modern sustainability and safety goals.
For more than a century, lead has been the dominant collector in fire assay. While analytically robust, it also introduces well-known environmental and occupational challenges. By replacing lead with environmentally benign bismuth, this new method delivers the same, if not better, analytical performance without the toxic burden. The shift enables cleaner laboratory workflows, reduction of hazardous waste streams and improved working conditions for assay technicians.
From a technical standpoint, Bismuth Collection Fire Assay demonstrates strong equivalence to traditional lead collection across a wide range of gold grades and ore types. Validation studies by Bureau Veritas show excellent precision, accuracy and noble metal recovery, giving laboratories full confidence in the method’s reliability. The technique integrates seamlessly with existing fluxing and cupellation practices, ensuring minimal operational disruption for labs transitioning to the new workflow.
For OREAS, this innovation represents the next evolution in reference material production. By incorporating bismuth-based certification into our process, we can deliver gold CRMs that meet the highest standards of analytical traceability and performance while aligning with industry expectations around ESG and responsible mineral testing.
This collaboration between OREAS and Bureau Veritas Minerals reflects our shared commitment to advancing geochemical analysis. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for fire assay quality assurance, supporting both technical excellence and environmental responsibility.
Explore our range of OREAS CRMs and download Certificates of Analysis at www.oreas.com