Valcambi operates a state-of-the-art testing laboratory. Our testing methods have been accredited since 1995 according to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
All sampling and testing activities are performed by independent certified precious metals assayers in compliance with the Swiss Precious Metals Control Law, and supervised by the Central Office for Precious Metals Control.
A highly qualified professional team carries out a range of analyses to ensure that Valcambi consistently meets both production and environmental standards of excellence.
Our laboratory employs a comprehensive range of testing techniques, for example traditional fire assay, potentiometric methods, WD-XRF, SPARK-OES, and ICP-OES spectrometry.
Testing methods are applied on a case-by-case basis and may include various testing techniques applied singly or in combination, as appropriate.
Our laboratory also has the ability to perform detailed microstructural analysis (failure, surface defects, inclusions) using EDX combined with a SEM.
Valcambi maintains close and effective communication with our clients and their representatives and co-operate closely with the Swiss public authorities.
Audited trust: with over 50 years of experience behind us we deliver the highest professional standards of precious metals testing and comprehensive assaying services complemented by accurate and timely sampling procedures.
Alessia Sironi - Head of Laboratory
Each shipment of Non-Good Delivery (NGD) precious metals is first weighed and melted to ensure homogeneity.
Sampling is then undertaken – the method chosen depends on the quantity and kind of material received.
The laboratory cleans and drills the samples, and places the drillings from each sample into separate envelopes. The laboratory then analyses the individual samples to verify the homogeneity of the melt.
If homogeneity is verified and there is an agreement for exchange of assays between the client and Valcambi, three equal final samples of usually 5 g each are prepared, together with the drillings of the sample taken from the melt just before pouring. If our laboratory cannot prove homogeneity, then the lot is re-melted.
The samples are sealed by the client’s representative, labelled with the melt number, and distributed as follows:
The laboratory samples the recovery bar.
The samples are put into separate envelopes, labelled with the melt number, and the drilling side.
The samples are analysed by Valcambi to verify the homogeneity of the recovery bar.
If homogeneity of the recovery bar has been proved, then three sealed envelopes are prepared.
Each usually contains 5 g of drilled material after having mixed equal parts of the drillings taken from the recovery bar.
The samples obtained from the recovery bar are sequentially stored with the other samples.
The assays are carried out by the fire assay method.
Results of these assays are exchanged simultaneously between the client and Valcambi by mail on an agreed upon date, and followed up by fax or e-mail the following day.
If the difference between the exchanged results do not exceed the splitting limits, then the arithmetic mean of Valcambi and the client ‘s results are taken as final.
Subject to exchange of assays including splitting limits contractually agreed upon, for gold, silver, platinum and palladium.
Gold assay results shall be expressed to four (4) significant figures for 995.0 and higher fineness and to five (5) significant figures for gold below 995.0 fineness.
Silver assay results shall be expressed to four (4) significant figures for fineness above and below 999.0.
Platinum and palladium assay results shall be expressed to four (4) significant figures for 999.5 and
higher fineness and three (3) significant figures with fineness below 999.5
