Project Title: Validation of Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) Method following ISO/IEC 17025

Objective: Establishment of reliable XRD results through quality control procedures adherent to
ISO/IEC 17025

Project Description:

Validation is the confirmation by examination and the provision of objective evidence that the
particular requirements for a specific intended use are fulfilled. The range and accuracy of the
values obtainable from validated methods as assessed for the intended use, shall be relevant to
the customer’s needs (IEC/ISO 17025).

In line with the vision of the bureau to be the leading geoscience and georesources serving the
public and nation with scientific reliability, the x-ray laboratory unit needs to validate its current
methods for the qualitative phase identification through XRD as part of the quality control
procedures to be able to release reliable information. This project will allow the unit to assess its
current methods to establish customer confidence. The current methods will be tested for
trueness, specificity, selectivity, robustness against preparation errors, and detection limit. The
project involves the acquisition of a wide-ranging database from the International Center on for
Diffraction Data (ICDD), and Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) specific to the types of
samples the laboratory analyses. The project also includes the participation of the x-ray laboratory
unit in multi-laboratory proficiency tests. XRD analysis methods that are validated based on
IEC/ISO 17025 guidelines will add to the confidence of the results released to clients since
samples submitted to the MGB for XRD analysis are essential for geotechnical projects, mineral
exploration, forensics, and academic research.

Implementation Period: 2021-2030

Rationale:

The goal of the MGB to obtain an ISO/IEC 17025 certification

Vision: MGB also aims to be the leading geoscience and georesources serving the public and
nation with scientific reliability.

The PANalytical X’pert Pro MPD equipment will be used for the x-ray diffraction scanning. Crucial
to this validation project is the acquisition of Certified Reference Materials specific for XRD
analysis of the types of samples, which the MGB analyses.

Materials:

The PANalytical X’pert Pro MPD equipment will be used for the x-ray diffraction scanning. Crucial
to this validation project is the acquisition of Certified Reference Materials specific for XRD
analysis of rock/soil samples, which the MGB analyses.

Personnel:

X-ray Laboratory Unit staff:

2 Geologists

2 Laboratory Aides

2 Chemists

Ouput:

XRD analysis method that is validated based on IEC/ISO 17025 guidelines, adding to the
confidence of the results released to clients since based on clientele data, samples submitted for
XRD analysis are essential for geotechnical projects, mineral reservation program, academic
research, metallic and nonmetallic deposit exploration.

Technical report

Budgetary Requirements:

Laboratory Supplies:

Certified Reference Materials (specify if possible): single-phase, two-phase rock/soil

Calibration of Furnace, weighing balances

Sample preparation materials:

Dishwashing soap

sponge

Sieve

Agate mortar and pestle

Sample bags

Brushes

Dessicant for CRMs

Duration of the project: 5months

Timeline of activities:

1st month 2nd month 3rd month 4th month 5th

month
Acquisition of materials Test for Test for operator-
Trueness dependent errors
Calibration Test for Test for
of furnace limits of variation
and detection in sample
balances for single- geometry
phase and
two-phase
samples
and blind
samples
Test for
robustness
against
sample
preparation
errors and
particle-
size
distribution