ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | JANUARY 2026 23 (specifically HORIBA EMIA and EMGA series) optimized for high-accuracy measurement of light elements. • Sample Preparation: Analysis was conducted without sample pretreatment to maximize e iciency. • Sample Volume: Small sample masses of 1 g or less were utilized to minimize material usage. • Automation: An auto-sampler unit was integrated into the workflow to increase throughput, reduce operator workload, and minimize ambient dust contamination. • Material Recovery: The operational protocol ensured that precious metal samples could be collected and recovered following the analytical process. Results. The implementation of the auto-sampler unit successfully facilitated high-throughput demand inherent to the recycling process. This configuration improved overall productivity while simultaneously minimizing contamination risks from the ambient environment. Manufacturers confirmed the solution’s efficacy in maintaining cost-effectiveness through the successful recovery of precious samples. Quantitative analysis reference testing demonstrated consistent high precision across light element impurities. Carbon analysis (via HORIBA EMIA) showed an average concentration of 3.3 ppm with standard deviation of 0.2 ppm. Oxygen analysis (via HORIBA EMGA) resulted in an average concentration of 4.5 ppm with standard deviation of 0.4 ppm. These results indicate that the methodology achieves the rigorous quality control standards required for high-stakes precious metal recycling, providing rapid and reliable quantification of trace impurities. CONCLUSION The impact of this technology on recycling lifecycles is transformative. One benefit is accelerated quality release. Instead of waiting hours or even days for external lab results, quality assurance teams can obtain a full impurity fingerprint in just 1 to 2 minutes. This speed is vital for highthroughput recycling manufacturers who handle a large volume of valuable material daily. A second benefit is proof of purity. For crucial elements like oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur, the analysis confirms that the recycled metal meets the “five-nines” or higher purity needed for specialized applications. This data acts as the ultimate certification mark, making the recycled resource equally, if not more, desirable than newly mined material. A third benefit is high-volume, low-contact analysis. The ability to automate the sample handling process—using specialized auto-samplers— minimizes operator interaction. This not only reduces the risk of contamination from the ambient environment but also allows technicians to handle a very large number of samples efficiently, streamlining the workflow and enhancing productivity. A final benefit is preserving capital. By utilizing small sample volumes (1 g or less) and allowing the precious metal to be recovered and reintroduced to the refining process after the analysis, the cost of quality testing is drastically reduced. The ability to verify purity without consuming the precious material is a major economic advantage in this high-value sector. By rapidly and accurately certifying the purity of these recycled resources, analytical science directly supports the circular economy, making urban mining a practical, reliable, and financially viable source for the world’s most critical and finite materials. The success of modern recycling hinges on this ability to perform alchemy at the atomic level, transforming yesterday’s electronics into the ultra-pure materials of tomorrow. ~AM&P For more information: Michelle Sestak, Raman Applications Scientist II, HORIBA, michelle.sestak@horiba.com, www.horiba.com. asminternational.axomo.com Show Your ASM Pride! Shop ASM apparel and essentials, affiliate society t-shirts, and more in our gear store!
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