Sampling under Duress – What Few Want to Say and Even Fewer Want to Hear
DOI: 10.62178/sst.005.009
Abstract
Key topics addressed in the present contribution: i) use and misuse of the Assay Exchange paradigm; ii) manipulating mine, ore and metal processing sampling for increased profitability by ‘tuning’ sampling and assaying; iii) sampling for refining and metal accounting; iv) risk mitigation ‘games’. To paint the backdrop for the many ways to lose one’s righteous way, I first present a detailed analysis of the assay exchange formalism, the ‘scheme’, which is involved in most trading and commercial contractual transactions. Based on a thorough Theory of Sampling (TOS) analysis, it is revealed how no less than two hidden, very often un-recognised sampling and sub-sampling stages ‘before assaying’ play a crucial role in determining the reliability of the final analytical determinations, demolishing the notion that total Measurement Uncertainty is a matter of analysis/assaying only. There are many tempting opportunities for devious behaviour and lack of due diligence along the ‘lot-to-assaying-to settlement’ pathway, ranging from ill-informed negligence to deliberate fraud. Presented here are some of the more gregarious examples of sampling under duress – and what can be done about it. Indeed, what should be done about this is simplicity itself, exclusively and honestly relying on the Theory of Sampling (TOS) only, with voluntary full transparency.
Published in Issue 5 · June 2026
Citing this article
Esbensen, K. H. (2026). Sampling under Duress – What Few Want to Say and Even Fewer Want to Hear. Sampling Science & Technology, June 2026(5), 105-116. https://doi.org/10.62178/sst.005.009
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