Document 7Rw12z64yVbZX05d6G8x6zY0j

Luzenac 345 Inverness Drive South Suite 310 Centennial, CO 80112 (303) 643-0451 Fax: (303) 643-0446 TECHNICAL REPORT To: From: David Crouse J. W. Pier Analytical and Technical Support Analytical Project No: A03613 Date: 23-Jul-04 Copy: J. Poston Subject: TEM ASBESTOS ANALYSIS OF OCTOBER 2003 GUANGXI SHIPMENTS TO HOUSTON Results: Asbestos was not detected in either the or Guangxi #2A sample. Results for the October 2003 Guangxi #2A composite (included in attached table) were reported earlier to ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ H ( r e f e r to Analytical Report No. A04042). The following results (attached) were obtained using the current ASTM draft method "Standard Test Method for Indirect Analysis of Talc by Transmission Electron Microscopy for Asbestos Mass Concentration." The analytical sensitivity is defined for each sample based on the smallest detectable fiber given the analysis parameters for that sample. "ND" (not detected) is reported when no fibers are detected. A program of laboratory "blank" analysis is in place and has been used to determine the level of significance for this analysis according to ASTM method D 6620-00, "Standard practice for asbestos detection limit based on counts." Based on the analysis of 100 laboratory blanks, the detection of one fiber on a given sample preparation has been determined to be insignificant. "NS" (not significant) is reported when only one fiber (structure) was detected. PLAINTIFFS EXHIBIT CAM-349 ITA-Ratcliff-000209 TEM ASBESTOS ANALYSIS OF OCTOBER 2003 GUANGXI SHIPMENTS TO HOUSTON Project No. A03613 23-Jul-04 Table 1. Summary of results. Sample Description. Sample No. 11 Guangxi #2A Composite October 2003 A03613-2 (A04042-1) Amphibole Structures >5 p.m <5 ^.m 11 00 ND = Not detected (see report text). NS = Not significant (see report text). Amphibole Content (ppm) ND Chrysotile Structures >5 |j.m <5 |j.m 11 00 Chrysotile Content (ppm) ND Table 2. Summary of analysis parameters. Sample Description. Sample No. Starting Weight 11 Guangxi #2A Composite October 2003 A03613-2 (A04042-1) (g) 0.0373 Aliquot Filtered (mL) 0.1 Grid Spaces Analyzed (#) Sample Analyzed (ng) 10 36 *The analytical sensitivity for this method is defined as 1 fiber (ASTM D 5756-00). TEM Amphibole Sensitivity* ppm 0.02 TEM Chrysotile Sensitivity* ppm 0.03 ITA-Ratcliff-000210 Luzenac 345 Inverness Drive South Suite 310 Centennial, CO 80112 (303) 643-0451 Fax: (303) 643-0446 Date: Attention: CONFIDENTIAL ORE CERTIFICATION REPORT January 30, 2004 Reported by: Copy: J. W. Pier, H. A. Rothschopf F. Fimbres, J. M. Godla, Joyce Payeur, J. Poston, M. J. Lorang, R. J. Zazenski Results: The following composite ore sample, representing the October, 2003 Gaungxi #2 shipment to Houston, was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the presence of amphibole minerals and quartz. The sample was also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the presence of asbestiform minerals. The requested tests are in partial fulfillment of specifications required by Analytical Lab Code: Specification: Initial Ore Results - A fter Grinding (1B) 3.14 Percent Fibrous Amphibole (CTFA J4-1) Part A (X-ray Diffraction): Part B (Optical Microscopy): Guangxi #2A Composite October 2003 Shipment (Tian Song Feng MV) Ore Shipment ID No.: A03491 A03613-2, A04042-1 None detected Not required 3.15 Percent Free Crystalline Silica Quartz (CTFA Method J6-1) (X-Ray Diffraction) None detected (less than 2%) TEM Results - A fter Grinding (1C) 3.16 Asbestos by Transmission Electron Microscope (TM 7024) None detected ITA-Ratcliff-000211 Luzenac 345 Inverness Drive South Suite 310 Centennial, CO 80112 (303) 643-0451 Fax: (303) 643-0446 Date: Attention: CONFIDENTIAL ORE CERTIFICATION REPORT March 23, 2004 Reported by: J. W. Pier, H. A. Rothschopf Analytical Reference: A04111/A04110 Copy: J. Stokke, J. M. Godla, Joyce Payeur, J. Poston, M. J. Lorang, R. J. Zazenski Results: The following composite ore sample, representing the February, 2004 Gaungxi #2 shipment to Houston, was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the presence of amphibole minerals and quartz. The requested tests are in partial fulfillment of specifications required by | |. Analytical Lab Code: Specification: Initial Ore Results - A fter Grinding (1B) 3.14 Percent Fibrous Amphibole (CTFA J4-1) Part A (X-ray Diffraction): Part B (Optical Microscopy): Guangxi #2A Composite February 2004 Shipment (MV Tequi) A04111-1, A04110-1 None detected Not required 3.15 Percent Free Crystalline Silica Quartz (CTFA Method J6-1) (X-Ray Diffraction) None detected (less than 2%) TEM Results - A fter Grinding (1C) 3.16 Asbestos by Transmission Electron Microscope (TM 7024) None detected ITA-Ratcliff-000212 Luzenac 345 Inverness Drive South Suite 310 Centennial, CO 80112 (303) 643-0451 Fax: (303) 643-0446 Date: Attention: CONFIDENTIAL ORE CERTIFICATION REPORT June 16, 2004 Reported by: J. W. Pier, H. A. Rothschopf Analytical Reference: A04317 Copy: G. E. Gauntt, M. J. Lorang, Joyce Payeur, J. Poston, J. Stokke, R. J. Zazenski Results: The following composite ore sample, representing the May, 2004 Gaungxi #2 shipment to Houston, was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the presence of amphibole minerals and quartz, and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the presence of asbestos. The requested tests are in partial fulfillment of specifications required by | . Analytical Lab Code: Specification: Initial Ore Results - A fter Grinding (1B) 3.14 Percent Fibrous Amphibole (CTFA J4-1) Part A (X-ray Diffraction): Part B (Optical Microscopy): Guangxi #2A Composite May 2004 Shipment (MV Great Bright) A04317-1 None detected Not required 3.15 Percent Free Crystalline Silica Quartz (CTFA Method J6-1) (X-Ray Diffraction) None detected TEM Results - A fter Grinding (1C) 3.16 Asbestos by Transmission Electron Microscope (TM 7024) None detected ITA-Ratcliff-000213 Luzenac 345 Inverness Drive South Suite 310 Centennial, CO 80112 (303) 643-0451 Fax: (303) 643-0446 Date: Attention: CONFIDENTIAL ORE CERTIFICATION REPORT 13-Aug-04 Reported by: Analyst(s): Copy: Julie Pier J. Pier, H. Rothschopf Joyce Payeur, J. Poston Results: The following composite ore sample, representing the June 2004 Gaungxi #2 shipment to Houston, was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the presence of amphibole minerals and quartz. The sample was also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the presence of asbestiform minerals. The requested tests are in partial fulfillment of specifications required by Analytical Lab Code: Specification: Initial Ore Results - A fter Grinding (1B) 3.14 Percent Fibrous Amphibole (CTFA J4-1) Part A (X-ray Diffraction): Part B (Optical Microscopy): Guangxi #2A Composite (ACM Grind) June 2004 Shipment (Navios Galaxy) A04410-1 None detected Not required 3.15 Percent Free Crystalline Silica Quartz (CTFA Method J6-1) (X-Ray Diffraction) None detected TEM Results - A fter Grinding (1C) 3.16 Asbestos by Transmission Electron Microscope (TM 7024) - Total talc weight examined (ng) - Calculated detection limit (weight %) - Date of analysis None detected 49.7 0.0012 23-Jul-04 ITA-Ratcliff-000214 Luzenac 345 Inverness Drive South Suite 310 Centennial, CO 80112 (303) 643-0451 Fax: (303) 643-0446 CONFIDENTIAL ORE CERTIFICATION REPORT Date: To: Reported by: Copy: October 27, 2004 John Poston J. W. Pier D. Crouse, S. Wulf, R. J. Zazenski Results: The following composite ore sample, representing the September 2004 Gaungxi #2 shipment to Houston, was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the presence of amphibole minerals and quartz. The sample was also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the presence of asbestiform minerals. The requested tests are in partial fulfillment of specifications required by Analytical Lab Code: Specification: Initial Ore Results - A fter Grinding (1B) 3.14 Percent Fibrous Amphibole (CTFA J4-1) Part A (X-ray Diffraction): Part B (Optical Microscopy): Guangxi #2 Composite - ACM September 2004 Shipment (M. V. Danae) A04550-1 None detected Not required 3.15 Percent Free Crystalline Silica Quartz (CTFA Method J6-1) (X-Ray Diffraction) None detected TEM Results - A fter Grinding (1C) 3.16 Asbestos by Transmission Electron Microscope (TM 7024) None detected ITA-Ratcliff-000215 Luzenac 345 Inverness Drive South Suite 310 Centennial, CO 80112 (303) 643-0451 Fax: (303) 643-0446 CONFIDENTIAL ORE CERTIFICATION REPORT Date: To: Reported by: Copy: January 31, 2005 John Poston J. W. Pier D. Crouse, S. Wulf, R. J. Zazenski Results: The following composite ore sample, representing the December 2004 Gaungxi #2 shipment to Houston, was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the presence of amphibole minerals and quartz. The sample was also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the presence of asbestiform minerals. The requested tests are in partial fulfillment of specifications required by Analytical Lab Code: Specification: Initial Ore Results - A fter Grinding (1B) 3.14 Percent Fibrous Amphibole (CTFA J4-1) Part A (X-ray Diffraction): Part B (Optical Microscopy): Guangxi #2 Composite ACM Grind, 1-18-05 December 2004 Shipment (M. V. TaiChang, 12-14-04) A05033-1 None detected Not required 3.15 Percent Free Crystalline Silica Quartz (CTFA Method J6-1) (X-Ray Diffraction) None detected TEM Results - A fter Grinding (1C) 3.16 Asbestos by Transmission Electron Microscope (TM 7024) None detected ITA-Ratcliff-000216 TEM ASBESTOS ANALYSIS OF GUANGXI #2A COMPOSITE, DECEMBER 2004, MV TAI CHANG A05074 15-Sep-05 CONFIDENTIAL Table 1. Result Summary Sample Description Sample No. Guangxi #2A Dec-04 MV A05074-1 composite Tai Chang AMPHIBOLE Number of Structures Asbestos Concentration >5 um 0 <5 um 0 ppm BDL CHRYSOTILE Number of Structures Asbestos Concentration >5 um 0 <5 um 0 ppm BDL BDL = Below detection limit as defined by ASTM D 6620-00 Page 1 of 2 ITA-Ratcliff-000217 TEM ASBESTOS ANALYSIS OF GUANGXI #2A COMPOSITE, DECEMBER 2004, MV TAI CHANG A05074 15-Sep-05 CONFIDENTIAL Table 2. Analysis parameters Sample Description Sample No. Guangxi #2A Dec-04 MV A05074-1 composite Tai Chang Starting Weight g 0.2564 Aliquot Filtered mL 0.2 Grid Spaces Analyzed # 10 Total Sample Analyzed ng 49.4 AMPHIBOLE Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit ppm 0.019 ppm 0.090 CHRYSOTILE Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit ppm 0.013 ppm 0.060 BDL = Below detection limit as defined by ASTM D 6620-00 Page 2 of 2 ITA-Ratcliff-000218 Luzenac 345 Inverness Drive South Suite 310 Centennial, CO 80112 (303) 643-0451 Fax: (303) 643-0446 To: From: Subject: REPORT of ANALYSIS John Poston Fax: 281-456-7816 Mikki Auburn Analytical and Technical Support Analytical Project No: A05379 Date: 17-Aug-05 ANALYSIS OF ORE SHIPMENT INTO HOUSTON Lab Code: Sample Description: Ship Name: A05379-1 Ore type Guangxi 2A M.V. Tai Cheng Date Sampled: Date Received: Date Analyzed: Jan-05 27-Jul-05 09-Aug-05 Method FCC V FCC V USP 28 S/2 USP 28 S/2 EP 5.1 EP 5.1 Test Identification A (by XRD) Identification B (by FT-IR) Identification A (by FT-IR) Test B (by XRD) Identification A (by FT-IR) Production B (by XRD) Specification Intense reflections are exhibited at 9.34 A, 4.66 A, and 3.12 A Major peaks are exhibited at approximately 1015 and 450 cm-1 The spectrum shows absorption bands at 3677 2 cm-1, at 1018 2 cm-1, and at 669 2 cm-1 Amphibole peaks at 10.5 0.1o 2; Serpentine peaks at 24.3 0.1o2 to 12.1 0.1o2. The spectrum shows absorption bands at 3677 2 cm-1, at 1018 2 cm-1, and at 669 2 cm-1 Amphibole peaks at 10.5 0.1o 2; Serpentine peaks at 24.3 0.1o2 to 12.1 0.1o2. Result Conforms to the specification Conforms to the specification Conforms to the specification Peaks are not present Conforms to the specification Peaks are not present Conclusion Pass Pass Pass Absence of Asbestos determined by method B Pass Absence of Asbestos determined by method B ATTACHED SHEETS: FT-IR spectra - 1 pg XRD diffractogram - 1 pg APPROVED BY: __________________________________________ DATE: Luzenac America Technical Center, Analytical Dept. This report has been reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and comparison against specifications where available. The reported results are only representative of the samples submitted for testing and internal standards. ITA-Ratcliff-000219 TEM ASBESTOS ANALYSIS OF GUANGXI #2 COMPOSITE, SEPTEMBER 2005, MV PACIFIC ACADIAN A05507 11-Oct-05 CONFIDENTIAL Table 1. Result Summary Sample Description Sample No. Guangxi #2 composite Sep-05 MV Pacific Acadian A05507-1 AMPHIBOLE Number of Structures Asbestos Concentration >5 um 0 <5 um 0 ppm BDL CHRYSOTILE Number of Structures Asbestos Concentration >5 um 0 <5 um 0 ppm BDL BDL = Below detection limit as defined by ASTM D 6620-00 Page 1 of 2 ITA-Ratcliff-000220 TEM ASBESTOS ANALYSIS OF GUANGXI #2 COMPOSITE, SEPTEMBER 2005, MV PACIFIC ACADIAN A05507 11-Oct-05 CONFIDENTIAL Table 2. Analysis parameters Sample Description Sample No. Guangxi #2 composite Sep-05 MV Pacific Acadian A05507-1 Starting Weight g 0.2502 Aliquot Filtered mL 0.2 Grid Spaces Analyzed # 10 Total Sample Analyzed ng 48.2 AMPHIBOLE Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit ppm 0.019 ppm 0.092 CHRYSOTILE Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit ppm 0.013 ppm 0.062 BDL = Below detection limit as defined by ASTM D 6620-00 Page 2 of 2 ITA-Ratcliff-000221 Luzenac 345 Inverness Drive South Suite 310 Centennial, CO 80112 (303) 643-0451 Fax: (303) 643-0446 CONFIDENTIAL ORE CERTIFICATION REPORT Date: To: Reported by: Copy: 3-Nov-05 John Poston J. Pier, H. Rothschopf D. Crouse, E. Ronald, S. Wulf, R. J. Zazenski Results: The following composite ore sample, representing the September 2005 Gaungxi 2A shipment to Houston, was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the presence of amphibole minerals and quartz. The sample was also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the presence of asbestiform minerals. The requested tests are in partial fulfillment of specifications required by Analytical Lab Code: Specification: Initial Ore Results - A fter Grinding (1B) 3.14 Percent Fibrous Amphibole (CTFA J4-1) Part A (X-ray Diffraction): Part B (Optical Microscopy): Guangxi 2A Composite - ACM September 2005 Shipment (MV Pacific Acadian) A05508-1 None detected Not required 3.15 Percent Free Crystalline Silica Quartz (CTFA Method J6-1) (X-Ray Diffraction) None detected TEM Results - A fter Grinding (1C) 3.16 Asbestos by Transmission Electron Microscope (TM 7024) None detected ITA-Ratcliff-000222 Luzenac 345 Inverness Drive South Suite 310 Centennial, CO 80112 (303) 643-0451 Fax: (303) 643-0446 CONFIDENTIAL ORE CERTIFICATION REPORT Date: To: Reported by: Copy: April 19, 2006 John Poston J. W. Pier, H. A. Rothschopf D. Crouse, E. Ronald, S. Wulf, R. J. Zazenski Results: The following composite ore sample, representing the February 2006 Gaungxi #2 shipment to Houston, was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the presence of amphibole minerals and quartz. The sample was also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the presence of asbestiform minerals. The requested tests are in partial fulfillment of specifications required by Analytical Lab Code: Specification: Initial Ore Results - A fter Grinding (1B) 3.14 Percent Fibrous Amphibole (CTFA J4-1) Part A (X-ray Diffraction): Part B (Optical Microscopy): Guangxi #2A Composite February 2006 Shipment (MV Pos Eternity) A06125-1 None detected Not required 3.15 Percent Free Crystalline Silica Quartz (CTFA Method J6-1) (X-Ray Diffraction) None detected TEM Results - A fter Grinding (1C) 3.16 Asbestos by Transmission Electron Microscope (TM 7024) None detected ITA-Ratcliff-000223