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C. Analytes <br />Whole rock analysis: Whole rock analysis usually generates a standardized set of analytes. For <br />example, standard whole rock analysis by The Mineral Lab in Golden determines the concentrations of <br />31 elements.4 This analysis is done by X-Ray Fluorescence, is relatively inexpensive ($60/sample), and <br />can provide very useful data regarding the mineralogy at a mining site. <br />Acid-base accounting (ABA): ABA also generates a standardized set of analytes. ABA consists of <br />two separate rock analyses that determine the two components necessary to calculate net acid- <br />generating potential: <br />1) Acid Neutralization Potential (ANP): ANP is determined by reacting the rock sample with <br />acid to observe the quantity of acid required to consume the carbonate minerals in the rock. <br />The quantity of acid consumed is converted to parts per thousand CaC03. <br />2) Acid Generation Potential (AGP): AGP is determined by analysis using a Leco furnace to <br />obtain the total concentration of sulfur in the sample. After accounting for non-sulfide <br />sulfur (e.g., sulfates such as gypsum or jarosite), the remaining sulfur is assumed to be <br />associated with sulfide and capable of generating acid. Using a stoichiometric conversion <br />that assumes that one mole of CaCO3 will neutralize the acid produced by one mole of <br />pyritic sulfur, the sulfide sulfur is also converted to units of parts per thousand CaCO3. It is <br />important that sulfate sulfur be included in the analysis report, because these data can <br />provide useful information regarding the composition of secondary minerals. <br />The ratio of ANP to AGP is used to interpret whether the rock is net acid-generating or net <br />acid-neutralizing. <br />Accelerated Weathering Test Leachate: The leachate generated from accelerated weathering tests <br />should be analyzed for a comprehensive suite of parameters that draws from both Regulation 31 and <br />Regulation 41. Operators will generally be required to include in each leachate analysis: <br />All parameters listed on Table 1 through 4 in Regulation 41 - Basic Standards for Ground Water. <br />Unless these parameters are relevant to the operation, they may omit Total Coliforms, Asbestos, Free <br />Cyanide (unless cyanide has been or will be used in processing), Chlorophenol, Color, Corrosivity, <br />Foaming Agents, Odor, Phenol, the Radiological Parameters Gross Alpha Particle Activity and <br />Beta/Photon Emitters. <br />To allow comparison of water quality data to aquatic life standards, the analyses must also report either <br />total hardness or separate analyses of Calcium and Magnesium. <br />In addition to the aforementioned analytes, measurement of the test extract pH is required immediately <br />after extraction. Concurrent measurement of electrical conductivity (or specific conductance) is also <br />recommended. <br />If the site is a uranium mine or uranium processing facility or if radionuclides are suspected, then the <br />operator must include the Radiological Parameters Gross Alpha Particle Activity and Beta/Photon <br />Emitters, and may also have to include some or all of the parameters listed under "Radioactive <br />Materials Standards" (page 6 in the current version of Regulation 41). <br />