Document a4qKOxDoXxD2dMYgnjRZNeGQ9
PLAINTIFFS EXHIBIT
CAM-351
Rio Tinto Minerals 8051 E. Maplewood Ave Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (303) 713-5000 Fax: (303) 713-5788
TECHNICAL REPORT
Project No. A09560
Date:
25-Feb-10
To: From: Analyst(s): Copy:
J. Poston C. Fleming C. Fleming, J. Sulik, A. Zamurs A. Russell, S.Sharma, J. Pier
Title:
TEM ASBESTOS ANALYSIS OF HOUSTON PRODUCT SAMPLES November 2009
Request:
Three samples, representing products of Guangxi ore milled at Houston were submitted to the Technical Center for asbestos analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This analysis is in partial fulfillment of RTM's Fiber Management Framework Program.
Results:
The attached TEM results were obtained using the current ASTM draft method "Standard test method for indirect analysis of talc by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass concentration." This method is currently being developed by ASTM committee D22.07 (Sampling and Analysis of Asbestos) and is a modification of ASTM method D 5756 "Standard test method for microvacuum sampling and indirect analysis of dust by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass surface loading." The modification is to adapt existing methodology to the specific analysis of talc products and/or ore samples.
A program of laboratory "blank" analysis is in place and has been used to determine the detection limit for this analysis according to ASTM method D 6620, "Standard practice for asbestos detection limit based on counts."
Page 1 of 4
ITA-Ratcliff-000263
Page 2 of 4
ITA-Ratcliff-000264
Table 1. Result Summary Sample Description
m
A09560 TEM Analysis Results
AMPHIBOLE
Sample No.
Number of Structures
Fiber Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
Grade 25 USP Composite
November 2009
A 0 9 5 6 0 -3
1
0
1
0
BDL
CHRYSOTILE
Number of Structures
Asbestos Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
11
00
BDL
BDL = Below detection limit, as defined by ASTM D 6620
Page 3 of 4
ITA-Ratcliff-000265
Table 2. Analysis parameters Sample Description
Sample No.
Grade 25 USP Composite
m m
November 2009
A 0 9 5 6 0 -3
A09560 TEM Analysis Parameters
Starting Weight
g
Aliquot Filtered
mL
Grid Spaces Analyzed
#
Total Sample Analyzed
ng
AMPHIBOLE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
CHRYSOTILE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
0.2441
0.2
10 47.0 0.020 0.13 0.013 0.09
` Analytical Sensitivity is defined by ASTM D 5756 as the detection of one structure with minimum dimensions.
Page 4 of 4
ITA-Ratcliff-000266
RIO TINTO
MINERALS
Rio Tinto Minerals 8051 E. Maplewood Ave Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (303) 713-5000 Fax: (303) 713-5788
TECHNICAL REPORT
Project No. A10016
Date:
25-Feb-10
To: J. Poston
From:
Andrew Zamurs
Analyst(s): C. Fleming, J. Sulik, A. Zamurs
Copy:
A. Russell, S. Sharma
Title:
TEM ASBESTOS ANALYSIS OF HOUSTON PRODUCT SAMPLES DECEMBER 2009
Request:
Three samples, representing products of Guangxi ore milled at Houston were submitted to the Technical Center for asbestos analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This analysis is in partial fulfillment of RTM's Fiber Management Framework Program.
Results:
The attached TEM results were obtained using the current ASTM draft method "Standard test method for indirect analysis of talc by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass concentration." This method is currently being developed by ASTM committee D22.07 (Sampling and Analysis of Asbestos) and is a modification of ASTM method D 5756 "Standard test method for microvacuum sampling and indirect analysis of dust by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass surface loading." The modification is to adapt existing methodology to the specific analysis of talc products and/or ore samples.
A program of laboratory "blank" analysis is in place and has been used to determine the detection limit for this analysis according to ASTM method D 6620, "Standard practice for asbestos detection limit based on counts."
Page 1 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000267
Table 1. Result Summary Sample Description
m
A10016 TEM Analysis Results
AMPHIBOLE
Sample No.
Number of Structures
Fiber Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
Grade 25 USP Composite
December 2009
A 1 0 0 1 6 -3
1
0
1
0
BDL
CHRYSOTILE
Number of Structures
Asbestos Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
11
00
BDL
BDL = Below detection limit, as defined by ASTM D 6620
Page 2 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000268
Table 2. Analysis parameters Sample Description
Sample No.
Grade 25 USP Composite
m m
December 2009
A 1 0 0 1 6 -3
A10016 TEM Analysis Parameters
Starting Weight
g
Aliquot Filtered
mL
Grid Spaces Analyzed
#
Total Sample Analyzed
ng
AMPHIBOLE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
CHRYSOTILE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
H H
0.2503
0.2
10 48.2 0.019 0.13 0.013 0.09
*Analytical Sensitivity is defined by ASTM D 5756 as the detection of one structure with minimum dimensions.
Page 3 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000269
RIO TINTO
MINERALS
Rio Tinto Minerals 8051 E. Maplewood Ave Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (303) 713-5000 Fax: (303) 713-5788
CONFIDENTIAL
ORE ANALYSIS REPORT
Date: To: Reported by: Copy:
February 4, 2010 I
Julie Pier J. Poston, E. Ronald, S. W ulf
Results:
The following composite ore sample, representing the MV Blunenau 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 MV Blunenau A10044-1
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-000270
RIO TINTO
MINERALS
Rio Tinto Minerals 8051 E. Maplewood Ave Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (303) 713-5000 Fax: (303) 713-5788
TECHNICAL REPORT
Project No. A10077
Date:
27-Apr-10
To: From:
J. Poston C. Slowik
Analyst(s): C. Slowik, J. Sulik, A. Zamurs
Copy:
A. Russell, S. Sharma, J. Pier
Title:
TEM ASBESTOS ANALYSIS OF HOUSTON PRODUCT SAMPLES JANUARY 2010
Request:
Three samples, representing products of Guangxi ore milled at Houston, were submitted to the Technical Center for asbestos analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This analysis is in partial fulfillment of RTM's Fiber Management Framework Program.
Results:
The attached TEM results were obtained using the current ASTM draft method "Standard test method for indirect analysis of talc by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass concentration." This method is currently being developed by ASTM committee D22.07 (Sampling and Analysis of Asbestos) and is a modification of ASTM method D 5756 "Standard test method for microvacuum sampling and indirect analysis of dust by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass surface loading." The modification is to adapt existing methodology to the specific analysis of talc products and/or ore samples.
A program of laboratory "blank" analysis is in place and has been used to determine the detection limit for this analysis according to ASTM method D 6620, "Standard practice for asbestos detection limit based on counts."
Page 1 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000271
Table 1. Result Summary Sample Description
Grade 25 USP Composite
January 2010
A10077 TEM Analysis Results
AMPHIBOLE
Sample No.
Number of Structures
Fiber Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
11
A 1 0 0 7 7 -3
0
0
BDL
CHRYSOTILE
Number of Structures
Asbestos Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
11
00
BDL
BDL = Below detection limit, as defined by ASTM D 6620
Page 2 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000272
Table 2. Analysis parameters Sample Description
Grade 25 USP Composite
January 2010
Sample No.
A 1 0 0 7 7 -3
A10077 TEM Analysis Parameters
Starting Weight
g
Aliquot Filtered
mL
Grid Spaces Analyzed
#
Total Sample Analyzed
ng
AMPHIBOLE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
CHRYSOTILE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
H M
0.2617
0.2
10 50.4 0.019 0.12 0.012 0.08
*Analytical Sensitivity is defined by ASTM D 5756 as the detection of one structure with minimum dimensions.
Page 3 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000273
RIO TINTO
MINERALS
Rio Tinto Minerals 8051 E. Maplewood Ave Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (303) 713-5000 Fax: (303) 713-5788
TECHNICAL REPORT
Project No. A10123
Date:
30-Apr-10
To: From: Analyst(s): Copy:
J. Poston J. Sulik C. Fleming, J. Sulik, A. Zamurs A. Russell, S. Sharma
Title:
TEM ASBESTOS ANALYSIS OF HOUSTON PRODUCT SAMPLES FEBRUARY 2010
Request:
Three samples, representing products of Guangxi ore milled at Houston were submitted to the Technical Center for asbestos analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This analysis is in partial fulfillment of RTM's Fiber Management Framework Program.
Results:
The attached TEM results were obtained using the current ASTM draft method "Standard test method for indirect analysis of talc by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass concentration." This method is currently being developed by ASTM committee D22.07 (Sampling and Analysis of Asbestos) and is a modification of ASTM method D 5756 "Standard test method for microvacuum sampling and indirect analysis of dust by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass surface loading." The modification is to adapt existing methodology to the specific analysis of talc products and/or ore samples.
A program of laboratory "blank" analysis is in place and has been used to determine the detection limit for this analysis according to ASTM method D 6620, "Standard practice for asbestos detection limit based on counts."
Page 1 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000274
Table 1. Result Summary Sample Description
A10123 TEM Analysis Results
AMPHIBOLE
Sample No.
Number of Structures
Fiber Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
Grade 25 USP Composite
February 2010
A 1 0 1 2 3 -3
1
0
1
0
BDL
CHRYSOTILE
Number of Structures
Asbestos Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
11
00
BDL
BDL = Below detection limit, as defined by ASTM D 6620
Page 2 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000275
Table 2. Analysis parameters Sample Description
Sample No.
A10123 TEM Analysis Parameters
Starting Weight
g
Aliquot Filtered
mL
Grid Spaces Analyzed
#
Total Sample Analyzed
ng
AMPHIBOLE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
CHRYSOTILE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
Grade 25 USP Composite
February 2010
A 1 0 1 2 3 -3
0.2536
0.2
10 48.8 0.019 0.13 0.013 0.08
` Analytical Sensitivity is defined by ASTM D 5756 as the detection of one structure with minimum dimensions.
Page 3 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000276
RIO TINTO
MINERALS
Rio Tinto Minerals 8051 E. Maplewood Ave Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (303) 713-5000 Fax: (303) 713-5788
TECHNICAL REPORT
Project No. A10178
Date:
13-May-09
To: From: Analyst(s): Copy:
J. Poston Andrew Zamurs C. Fleming, A. Zamurs A. Russell, S. Sharma
Title:
TEM ASBESTOS ANALYSIS OF HOUSTON PRODUCT SAMPLES MARCH 2010
Request:
Three samples, representing products of ore milled at Houston were submitted to the Technical Center for asbestos analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This analysis is in partial fulfillment of RTM's Fiber Management Framework Program.
Results:
The attached TEM results were obtained using the current ASTM draft method "Standard test method for indirect analysis of talc by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass concentration." This method is currently being developed by ASTM committee D22.07 (Sampling and Analysis of Asbestos) and is a modification of ASTM method D 5756 "Standard test method for microvacuum sampling and indirect analysis of dust by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass surface loading." The modification is to adapt existing methodology to the specific analysis of talc products and/or ore samples.
A program of laboratory "blank" analysis is in place and has been used to determine the detection limit for this analysis according to ASTM method D 6620, "Standard practice for asbestos detection limit based on counts."
Page 1 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000277
Table 1. Result Summary Sample Description
Grade 25 USP Composite
March 2010
A10178 TEM Analysis Results
AMPHIBOLE
Sample No.
Number of Structures
Fiber Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
11
A 1 0 1 7 8 -3
0
0
BDL
CHRYSOTILE
Number of Structures
Asbestos Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
11
00
BDL
BDL = Below detection limit, as defined by ASTM D 6620
Page 2 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000278
Table 2. Analysis parameters
Sample Description
Grade 25 USP Composite
m m
March 2010
Sample No.
A10178 TEM Analysis Parameters
Starting Weight
g
Aliquot Filtered
mL
Grid Spaces Analyzed
#
Total Sample Analyzed
ng
AMPHIBOLE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
CHRYSOTILE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
H M
A 1 0 1 7 8 -3
0.2367
0.2
10 45.6 0.021 0.14 0.014 0.09
*Analytical Sensitivity is defined by ASTM D 5756 as the detection of one structure with minimum dimensions.
Page 3 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000279
RIO TINTO
MINERALS
Rio Tinto Minerals 8051 E. Maplewood Ave Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (303) 713-5000 Fax: (303) 713-5788
CONFIDENTIAL
ORE ANALYSIS REPORT
Date: To: Reported by: Copy:
May 14, 2010
I
Andrew Zamurs J. Poston, E. Ronald, S. W ulf
Results:
The following composite ore sample, representing the MV Beilun Dolphin 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 MV Beilun Dolphin A10201-1
None detected Not required
3.15 Percent Free Crystalline Silica Quartz (CTFA Method J6-1) (X-Ray Diffraction)
0.1% (Passes Test)
TEM Results - A fter Grinding (1C) 3.16 Asbestos by Transmission Electron Microscope (TM 7024)
None detected
ITA-Ratcliff-000280
RIO TINTO
MINERALS
Rio Tinto Minerals 8051 E. Maplewood Ave Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (303) 713-5000 Fax: (303) 713-5788
TECHNICAL REPORT
Project No. A10227
Date:
25-Aug-10
To: From: Analyst(s): Copy:
J. Poston Andrew Zamurs K. Dorsey, J. Sulik, A. Zamurs A. Russell, S. Sharma, J. Pier
Title:
TEM ASBESTOS ANALYSIS OF HOUSTON PRODUCT SAMPLES APRIL 2010
Request:
Three samples, representing products milled at Houston were submitted to the Technical Center for asbestos analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This analysis is in partial fulfillment of RTM's Fiber Management Framework Program.
Results:
The attached TEM results were obtained using the current ASTM draft method "Standard test method for indirect analysis of talc by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass concentration." This method is currently being developed by ASTM committee D22.07 (Sampling and Analysis of Asbestos) and is a modification of ASTM method D 5756 "Standard test method for microvacuum sampling and indirect analysis of dust by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass surface loading." The modification is to adapt existing methodology to the specific analysis of talc products and/or ore samples.
A program of laboratory "blank" analysis is in place and has been used to determine the detection limit for this analysis according to ASTM method D 6620, "Standard practice for asbestos detection limit based on counts."
Page 1 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000281
Table 1. Result Summary Sample Description
Grade 25 USP Composite
April 2010
A10227 TEM Analysis Results
AMPHIBOLE
Sample No.
Number of Structures
Fiber Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
11
A 1 0 2 2 7 -3
0
0
BDL
CHRYSOTILE
Number of Structures
Asbestos Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
11
00
BDL
BDL = Below detection limit, as defined by ASTM D 6620
Page 2 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000282
Table 2. Analysis parameters Sample Description
Sample No.
A10227 TEM Analysis Parameters
Starting Weight
g
Aliquot Filtered
mL
Grid Spaces Analyzed
#
Total Sample Analyzed
ng
AMPHIBOLE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
CHRYSOTILE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
Grade 25 USP Composite
April 2010
A 1 0 2 2 7 -3
0.2505
0.4
10 96.5 0.010 0.06 0.006 0.04
` Analytical Sensitivity is defined by ASTM D 5756 as the detection of one structure with minimum dimensions.
Page 3 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000283
RIO TINTO
MINERALS
Rio Tinto Minerals 8051 E. Maplewood Ave Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (303) 713-5000 Fax: (303) 713-5788
TECHNICAL REPORT
Project No. A10268
Date:
13-Oct-10
To: From: Analyst(s): Copy:
J. Poston J. Sulik K. Dorsey, J. Sulik, A. Zamurs
S.Sharma,J. Pier
Title:
TEM ASBESTOS ANALYSIS OF HOUSTON PRODUCT SAMPLES May-10
Request:
Three samples, representing products of Chinese ore milled at Houston were submitted to the Technical Center for asbestos analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This analysis is in partial fulfillment of RTM's Fiber Management Framework Program.
Results:
The attached TEM results were obtained using the current ASTM draft method "Standard test method for indirect analysis of talc by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass concentration." This method is currently being developed by ASTM committee D22.07 (Sampling and Analysis of Asbestos) and is a modification of ASTM method D 5756 "Standard test method for microvacuum sampling and indirect analysis of dust by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass surface loading." The modification is to adapt existing methodology to the specific analysis of talc products and/or ore samples.
A program of laboratory "blank" analysis is in place and has been used to determine the detection limit for this analysis according to ASTM method D 6620, "Standard practice for asbestos detection limit based on counts."
Page 1 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000284
Table 1. Result Summary Sample Description
Grade 25 USP Composite
May 2010
A10268 TEM Analysis Results
AMPHIBOLE
Sample No.
Number of Structures
Fiber Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
11
A 1 0 2 6 8 -3
0
0
BDL
CHRYSOTILE
Number of Structures
Asbestos Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
11
00
BDL
BDL = Below detection limit, as defined by ASTM D 6620
Page 2 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000285
Table 2. Analysis parameters Sample Description
Sample No.
A10268 TEM Analysis Parameters
Starting Weight
g
Aliquot Filtered
mL
Grid Spaces Analyzed
#
Total Sample Analyzed
ng
AMPHIBOLE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
CHRYSOTILE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
Grade 25 USP Composite
May 2010
A 1 0 2 6 8 -3
0.2443
0.4
10 94.1 0.010 0.07 0.007 0.04
` Analytical Sensitivity is defined by ASTM D 5756 as the detection of one structure with minimum dimensions.
Page 3 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000286
RIO TINTO
MINERALS
Rio Tinto Minerals 8051 E. Maplewood Ave Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (303) 713-5000 Fax: (303) 713-5788
TECHNICAL REPORT
Project No. A10341
Date:
13-Oct-10
To: J. Poston
From:
J. Sulik
Analyst(s): K. Dorsey, J. Sulik, A. Zamurs
Copy:
S. Sharma, J. Pier
Title:
TEM ASBESTOS ANALYSIS OF HOUSTON PRODUCT SAMPLES Jun-10
Request:
Three samples, representing products of Chinese ore milled at Houston were submitted to the Technical Center for asbestos analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This analysis is in partial fulfillment of RTM's Fiber Management Framework Program.
Results:
The attached TEM results were obtained using the current ASTM draft method "Standard test method for indirect analysis of talc by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass concentration." This method is currently being developed by ASTM committee D22.07 (Sampling and Analysis of Asbestos) and is a modification of ASTM method D 5756 "Standard test method for microvacuum sampling and indirect analysis of dust by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass surface loading." The modification is to adapt existing methodology to the specific analysis of talc products and/or ore samples.
A program of laboratory "blank" analysis is in place and has been used to determine the detection limit for this analysis according to ASTM method D 6620, "Standard practice for asbestos detection limit based on counts."
Page 1 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000287
Table 1. Result Summary Sample Description
Grade 25 USP Composite
June 2010
A10341 TEM Analysis Results
AMPHIBOLE
Sample No.
Number of Structures
Fiber Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
11
A 1 0 3 4 1 -3
0
0
BDL
CHRYSOTILE
Number of Structures
Asbestos Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
11
00
BDL
BDL = Below detection limit, as defined by ASTM D 6620
Page 2 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000288
Table 2. Analysis parameters Sample Description
Sample No.
A10341 TEM Analysis Parameters
Starting Weight
g
Aliquot Filtered
mL
Grid Spaces Analyzed
#
Total Sample Analyzed
ng
AMPHIBOLE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
CHRYSOTILE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
Grade 25 USP Composite
June 2010
A 1 0 3 4 1 -3
0.2790
0.4
10
107.4
0.009
0.06
0.006
0.04
` Analytical Sensitivity is defined by ASTM D 5756 as the detection of one structure with minimum dimensions.
Page 3 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000289
RIO TINTO
MINERALS
Rio Tinto Minerals 8051 E. Maplewood Ave Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (303) 713-5000 Fax: (303) 713-5788
TECHNICAL REPORT
Project No. A10391
Date:
27-Oct-10
To: John Poston
From:
Jennie Sulik
Analyst(s): C. Slowik, J. Sulik, A. Zamurs
Copy:
S. Sharma, J. Pier
Title:
TEM ASBESTOS ANALYSIS OF HOUSTON PRODUCT SAMPLES Jul-10
Request:
Two samples, representing products of Yellowstone and Chinese #2 ore milled at Houston were submitted to the Technical Center for asbestos analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This analysis is in partial fulfillment of RTM's Fiber Management Framework Program.
Results:
The attached TEM results were obtained using the current ASTM draft method "Standard test method for indirect analysis of talc by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass concentration." This method is currently being developed by ASTM committee D22.07 (Sampling and Analysis of Asbestos) and is a modification of ASTM method D 5756 "Standard test method for microvacuum sampling and indirect analysis of dust by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass surface loading." The modification is to adapt existing methodology to the specific analysis of talc products and/or ore samples.
A program of laboratory "blank" analysis is in place and has been used to determine the detection limit for this analysis according to ASTM method D 6620, "Standard practice for asbestos detection limit based on counts."
Page 1 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000290
Table 1. Result Summary Sample Description
Grade 25 USP Composite
July 2010
A10391 TEM Analysis Results
AMPHIBOLE
Sample No.
Number of Structures
Fiber Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
A 1 0 3 9 1 -2
0
0
BDL
CHRYSOTILE
Number of Structures
Asbestos Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
00
BDL
BDL = Below detection limit, as defined by ASTM D 6620
Page 2 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000291
Table 2. Analysis parameters Sample Description
Grade 25 USP Composite
July 2010
Sample No.
A10391 TEM Analysis Parameters
Starting Weight
g
Aliquot Filtered
mL
Grid Spaces Analyzed
#
Total Sample Analyzed
ng
AMPHIBOLE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
CHRYSOTILE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
A 1 0 3 9 1 -2
0.2530
0.4
10 97.4 0.010 0.06 0.006 0.04
` Analytical Sensitivity is defined by ASTM D 5756 as the detection of one structure with minimum dimensions.
Page 3 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000292
RIO TINTO
MINERALS
Rio Tinto Minerals 8051 E. Maplewood Ave Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (303) 713-5000 Fax: (303) 713-5788
TECHNICAL REPORT
Project No. A10430
Date:
2-Dec-10
To: John Poston
From:
Andrew Zamurs
Analyst(s): C. Slowik, A. Zamurs
Copy:
S. Sharma, J. Pier
Title:
TEM ASBESTOS ANALYSIS OF HOUSTON PRODUCT SAMPLES AUGUST 2010
Request:
Three samples, representing products milled at Houston were submitted to the Technical Center for asbestos analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This analysis is in partial fulfillment of RTM's Fiber Management Framework Program.
Results:
The attached TEM results were obtained using the current ASTM draft method "Standard test method for indirect analysis of talc by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass concentration." This method is currently being developed by ASTM committee D22.07 (Sampling and Analysis of Asbestos) and is a modification of ASTM method D 5756 "Standard test method for microvacuum sampling and indirect analysis of dust by transmission electron microscopy for asbestos mass surface loading." The modification is to adapt existing methodology to the specific analysis of talc products and/or ore samples.
A program of laboratory "blank" analysis is in place and has been used to determine the detection limit for this analysis according to ASTM method D 6620, "Standard practice for asbestos detection limit based on counts."
Page 1 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000293
Table 1. Result Summary Sample Description
Grade 25 USP Composite
August 2010
A10430 TEM Analysis Results
AMPHIBOLE
Sample No.
Number of Structures
Fiber Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
A 1 0 4 3 0 -2
0
0
BDL
11
CHRYSOTILE
Number of Structures
Asbestos Concentration
>5 um
1
<5 um
1
ppm
00
BDL
11
BDL = Below detection limit, as defined by ASTM D 6620
Page 2 of 3
ITA-Ratcliff-000294
Table 2. Analysis parameters Sample Description
Grade 25 USP Composite
August 2010
Sample No.
A10430 TEM Analysis Parameters
Starting Weight
g
Aliquot Filtered
mL
Grid Spaces Analyzed
#
Total Sample Analyzed
ng
AMPHIBOLE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
CHRYSOTILE
Analytical Detection Sensitivity* Limit
ppm
ppm
A 1 0 4 3 0 -2
0.2228
0.4
10 85.8 0.011 0.07 0.007 0.05
` Analytical Sensitivity is defined by ASTM D 5756 as the detection of one structure with minimum dimensions.
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