How to calculate theoretical contained antimony

Understanding the subject

Theoretical contained antimony is a simple mass relationship when dry weight and dry-basis grade are known. Multiply dry material tonnes by the Sb fraction expressed as a decimal.

What it means in practice

For example, 40 dry tonnes at 35% Sb contain a theoretical 14 tonnes of antimony. The calculation does not state how much can be recovered by a particular process or how much a buyer will pay for.

Bring it into your next discussion

Use a mass calculation to clarify a proposal, then discuss recovery, payable terms and deductions separately. Keeping the arithmetic distinct from process assumptions makes an enquiry easier to review.

• Use matching dry weight and dry-basis grade.
• Convert percentage grade to a decimal.
• Label the result as theoretical contained metal.