LETTERS TO THE EDITOR — Scientific skills, integrity needed

Regarding your stories covering geochemical disputes associated with gold ores, the infallibility of assay methods approved by government agencies must be considered conditionally false as a first approximation. Big delusional reality, loyalty and trust associated with “fire assay” are widespread and deeply entrenched. Knowledge-seeking geochemists and exploration geologists must now deal scientifically with the reality of nature represented in the unique individuality of polymetallic gold deposits.

All methods of analysis have limitations. A standard gold assay based upon visible, malleable, gravimetric criteria is best due to universal and absolute nature. Assays using the spectrum of light with comparative standards do produce false negative, false positive and/or erratic values difficult to resolve given natural variations of geologic samples. To know how commonly errors occur, to quantify and correct, to bear witness in truth to reality, requires scientific skills and integrity generally less available and more expensive than cheap, fast applications of instrumental technology.

Some good news involves the reality of vast undiscovered gold deposits in Canada which can be quantified using appropriate technology. For inventors who desire the security of precious metals and the profit potential of new technological discovery, companies with metallurgical expertise in gold ores look bright.

The optimized deceits which deter large investors from mining and exploration shares can be greatly reduced with “real good” analysis, metallurgy and engineering.

Gross wastage of time and money result from attempts to use conditionally false chemistry to define geological reality. The bonanzas of the 21st century will require more knowledge and intelligence than has been exhibited thus far by the mining financial sector’s number games.

Eric Johnson, Whitehorse, Y.T.