Technology & Capabilities
At Midwest Elements, technology defines everything we do — from elemental analysis and process validation to full-scale precious metal refining.
Our laboratories integrate metallurgical and non-metallurgical systems to support clients who demand accuracy, traceability, and repeatable performance. We invest in advanced instrumentation and maintain rigorous procedural control to ensure every result meets industrial, academic, and regulatory standards.
Whether engaged for a single analytical run, a refining project, or a long-term R&D collaboration, our technology framework ensures precision at every stage.
Analytical Instrumentation
Our laboratories are equipped with industry-standard and research-grade analytical systems for both qualitative and quantitative measurements across metals, minerals, and engineered materials.
Core Instrument Platforms
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ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) – Provides trace-level elemental analysis down to parts-per-billion, ideal for high-purity metals, environmental samples, and process control.
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ICP-OES (Optical Emission Spectroscopy) – Used for high-throughput elemental quantification in metallurgical and geological samples.
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XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy) – Non-destructive compositional testing for alloys, ores, catalysts, and ceramics.
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XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) – Identifies crystalline phases, lattice structure, and polymorphism in both natural and synthetic materials.
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SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy) – Enables microstructural and compositional imaging at the sub-micron level, supporting failure analysis and materials research.
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TGA / DSC (Thermal Analysis) – Measures compositional stability, moisture content, and phase changes during heating for process optimization.
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Particle Size and Morphology Analysis – Utilized for powders, minerals, and catalysts using laser diffraction and image analysis.
Applications
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Multi-element analysis for ores, slurries, catalysts, and alloys
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Validation of recycled or recovered materials
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Environmental compliance reporting (EPA, ISO, ASTM)
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Ceramic, glass, and cement industry quality assurance
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Research-grade material certification and documentation
Refining & Metallurgical Processes
Our refining and metallurgical division employs controlled processes designed for high yield, traceable recovery, and material accountability.
Primary Processes
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Fire Assay & Gravimetric Analysis – Classical methods for accurate determination of gold, silver, and platinum-group metal content.
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Smelting & Cupellation – Applied for bulk metal separation, slag characterization, and impurity removal.
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Electro-Refining & Electro-Winning – Produces ultra-pure precious metals from feedstock or secondary materials.
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Wet Chemical Leaching (Aqua Regia, Cyanide-Free Alternatives) – Selective dissolution methods for recovery of precious or critical metals.
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Thermal Reduction & Calcination – Applied to oxide or catalyst materials prior to refining.
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Induction & Muffle Furnace Systems – Allow precise temperature control for alloy formation and laboratory-scale metallurgical simulation.
Each refining program includes mass balance tracking, yield documentation, and QA cross-validation through independent assay or instrumental confirmation.
Clients benefit from transparent, auditable processes supported by modern metallurgical modeling and custom recovery optimization.
Mineral & Non-Metallurgical Capabilities
Beyond metals, Midwest Elements supports geological, industrial, and environmental clients requiring full-spectrum mineral and material analysis.
Testing Domains
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Ore and concentrate characterization – Elemental distribution, grade control, and beneficiation support
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Clay, cement, and silicate materials – Structural integrity, loss-on-ignition, and compositional purity
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Industrial powders and ceramics – Particle morphology, density, and phase homogeneity testing
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Environmental solids and sludges – Heavy-metal contamination and leachate profiling
Equipment & Methods
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XRD for mineral phase quantification
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XRF for oxide and silicate ratio evaluation
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ICP-MS for trace metal detection
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Loss-on-Ignition (LOI) and Moisture Analysis for process monitoring
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SEM-EDS imaging for defect and inclusion identification
This dual-discipline approach — metallurgical and non-metallurgical — allows Midwest Elements to serve clients across sectors including mining, construction materials, advanced ceramics, electronics recycling, and renewable energy manufacturing.