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The Geological Survey has an extensive laboratory complex. A range of facilities are available for the sample preparation and the determination of chemical, mineralogical and physical
properties are summarised below:
Sample preparation:
- Splitting, crushing and pulverising of rock and mineral samples
- Sieving of unconsolidated material
- Mineral separation by heavy liquid media separation, magnetic
separation and Wilfley table
- Slabbing and polishing of specimens (rock saws and lapping plates)
- Preparation of thin sections and polished sections using a Logitech
- Preparation of ultra-pure deionised water and acids in dual
sub-boiling quartz glass still.
- Sample dissolution (lithium tetraborate fusion or by HF/HNO3 attack
in teflon bomb)
- Weighing (5 figure balance)
- Preparation of pressed powder pellets for XRF analysis
- Preparation of fusion discs for XRF analysis
Analysis:
- Mineral identification by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical
microscopy
- Spectrophotometer for the more accurate identification of ore
minerals in polished section
- Investigation of fluid inclusion properties
- Moisture content and loss on ignition (ovens and furnaces)
- Determination of major and minor elements by XRF and ICP-AES.
In addition to these facilities the Laboratory complex also houses two specialist laboratories, one for the testing of Industrial Minerals and another for engineering geological tests.
The sub-division handles enquiries from a variety of sources, including general public and the Namibian Police and Custom, giving advice on rock and mineral identification and sample
assay. Tin- and Tantalum-bearing concentrates are routinely analysed for the Small Miners Assistance
Center, forming a part of their efforts to improve the socio-economic climate of the
Uis area.
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