Monthly Roundup: MINING AND MINERALS Standards from October 2025

Looking back at October 2025, the Mining and Minerals sector saw a remarkable set of standardization activities, culminating in five significant ISO publications. This month’s standards predominantly centered on coal—its classification, petrographic analysis, and underlying sample preparation methodologies—reflecting ongoing global efforts towards greater accuracy, reproducibility, and harmonization in both analytical practice and reporting.

For industry professionals such as quality managers, compliance officers, engineers, and researchers, keeping pace with these standards is foundational to maintaining competitive advantage and ensuring international compliance. This detailed overview analyzes the technical and regulatory significance of each standard, connects emerging themes, and provides practical insight for implementation.

Monthly Overview: October 2025

October 2025 featured a cohesive wave of new documentation, much of it focused on revamping and modernizing protocols for coal petrography and classification. Four major standards, representing parts of the ISO 7404 series, underscored a concerted effort to enhance the scientific rigor and standardization of coal microanalysis—spanning sample preparation, identification of key organic and mineral compo-nents, and reflectance measurement. Additionally, an updated classification for brown coals and lignites was released, streamlining the criteria for their distinction by total moisture and tar yield.

In comparison with earlier publication periods, this month stands out for its thematic coherence; nearly all releases are fundamentally interlinked, emphasizing technological integration and harmonization across the entire workflow of coal analysis. This pattern suggests a broader industry trend: the mining sector is prioritizing consistent quality and interoperability in petrographic data, acknowledging the growing relevance of advanced analytics and tighter regulatory controls in global markets.

Standards Published This Month

ISO 7404-2:2025 - Coal - Methods for Petrographic Analysis - Part 2: Method of Preparing Coal Samples

Coal - Methods for petrographic analysis - Part 2: Method of preparing coal samples

Released as the third edition, ISO 7404-2:2025 specifies the detailed steps for preparing a polished particulate block from crushed coal samples, explicitly for analysis via reflected light microscopy. The standard applies not only to crushed particulate but also to embedded coal lumps, with procedures optimized to ensure that representative—and analytically viable—surfaces are produced.

Central to the standard’s scope is the careful selection of binders, abrasives, and equipment. Importantly, it clarifies that ion-milling equipment is not suitable for sample preparation destined for reflected light analysis—a revision reflecting updated international consensus via the International Committee for Coal and Organic Petrology (ICCP). The document allows practitioners to adapt procedures to coal type while providing comprehensive recommendations for best practices.

Whether sampled in situ, from borehole cores, or from processing plants, ensuring sample representativity and quality is paramount. The resulting blocks will underpin all subsequent petrographic, maceral, and reflectance analyses, setting the stage for reliable laboratory and regulatory workflows across mining geologies and product lines.

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive sample preparation steps with updated technical guidance
• Restrictions and alternatives for binders and equipment (e.g., excluding ion-milling for reflectance analysis)
• Enhanced focus on representativity and reproducibility in sample prep

Access the full standard: View ISO 7404-2:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 7404-3:2025 - Coal - Methods for Petrographic Analysis - Part 3: Method of Determining Maceral Group Composition

Coal - Methods for petrographic analysis - Part 3: Method of determining maceral group composition

The fourth edition of ISO 7404-3 delivers a rigorously specified method for quantifying the proportions of maceral groups and, if desired, associated minerals, within coal. Utilizing reflected white light microscopy on polished particulate blocks (prepared in accordance with ISO 7404-2), this standard guides analysts through identification and point-count estimation protocols for key maceral groupings: vitrinite/huminite, liptinite, and inertinite.

The revision notably incorporates new input from the ICCP, reflecting the latest international best practice and updating crucial aspects such as Figure 1’s labelling convention. For low-rank coals, guidance is provided for utilizing fluorescence microscopy for liptinite identification, acknowledging the optical limitations under conventional illumination.

This standard is essential for anyone involved in coal classification, specification, or quality assurance—whether at the mine, in laboratories, or downstream in industrial or trading contexts. Its robust repeatability and reproducibility parameters help ensure that results are intercomparable globally—a fundamental requirement for modern mineral supply chains.

Key highlights:

• Updated maceral analysis protocol with latest ICCP best practices
• Specification for both incident light and fluorescence microscopy (for low-rank/liptinite determination)
• Enhanced procedural precision and accreditation guidance

Access the full standard: View ISO 7404-3:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 7404-4:2025 - Coal - Methods for Petrographic Analysis - Part 4: Method of Determining Microlithotype, Carbominerite and Minerite Composition

Coal - Methods for petrographic analysis - Part 4: Method of determining microlithotype, carbominerite and minerite composition

ISO 7404-4:2025 brings further resolution to coal petrography by codifying the methodology for distinguishing and quantifying microlithotypes, carbominerites, and minerites. Using a graticule with 20 crossline intersections in reflected white light microscopy, this standard provides the technical detail required to differentiate coal’s naturally occurring maceral associations and mineral-matter-rich domains—data which are critical for understanding both the genesis and industrial behavior of coal.

This third edition integrates new feedback from the ICCP, harmonizing nomenclature and classification rules globally. For low-rank coals, blue, blue-violet, or UV excitation under fluorescence mode is recommended for optimal liptinite discrimination.

The standard’s approach aligns petrographic analysis with the operational needs of mining, coal preparation, and utilization, giving producers and engineers deeper insight into hardness, density, and processability, as well as enabling more efficient seam correlation and coal utilization strategy.

Key highlights:

• Standardized classification of microlithotypes and high mineral matter zones in coal (carbominerites and minerites)
• Incorporation of fluorescence techniques for challenging samples
• Enhanced upstream and downstream quality control

Access the full standard: View ISO 7404-4:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 7404-5:2025 - Coal - Methods for Petrographic Analysis - Part 5: Method of Determining Microscopically the Reflectance of Vitrinite

Coal - Methods for petrographic analysis - Part 5: Method of determining microscopically the reflectance of vitrinite

ISO 7404-5’s fourth edition specifies in detail the procedures for measuring vitrinite reflectance, the core metric for coal rank and, by extension, its industrial suitability and market classification. These methods, applied on oil-immersed, polished coal surfaces, extend across all coal ranks and plays a critical role in both laboratory testing and quality certification.

One notable distinction in this edition is its explicit exclusion of reflectance results from automated systems; all measurements are to be performed manually by a trained analyst. This is crucial in complex blend situations where the identification and correction of vitrinite percentage in each component is necessary—particularly as blends become more common in meeting compliance and market requirements. The standard also describes rigorous reliability and calibration protocols to ensure reproducibility across laboratories.

Organizations involved in mining, blending, trading, or certifying coal will find this standard indispensable for compliance with international classification requirements and for ensuring that product specifications are transparent, factual and defendable.

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive procedures for vitrinite reflectance measurement across all coal ranks and blends
• Detailed calibration, sample preparation, and reliability check protocols
• Manual (non-automated) analyst-based measurement for maximum accuracy

Access the full standard: View ISO 7404-5:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 2950:2025 - Brown Coals and Lignites - Classification by Types on the Basis of Total Moisture Mass Fraction and Tar Yield

Brown coals and lignites - Classification by types on the basis of total moisture mass fraction and tar yield

Shifting from petrography to broader resource classification, ISO 2950:2025 establishes a harmonized typology for brown coals and lignites, utilizing total moisture content and tar yield as primary indices. This second edition provides a systematic approach for dividing brown coals and lignites into classes, groups, and coded types. The classification further supports cross-border trade, regulatory reporting, and efficient specification in procurement and process design.

The standard meticulously outlines test methods for determining required indices (moisture, tar, ash), making it especially relevant for organizations involved in resource evaluation, power generation, and multinational coal trading. By clarifying the distinguishing attributes of these important fuel categories, ISO 2950 has a direct impact on downstream process design, emissions calculations, and supply logistics.

Key highlights:

• Systematic classification of brown coals and lignites by precise indices
• Codified criteria for class, group, and type assignment
• Standardized test methodologies for resource evaluation

Access the full standard: View ISO 2950:2025 on iTeh Standards

Common Themes and Industry Trends

October 2025’s standards demonstrate several clear industry patterns:

• Integration of Analytical Workflows: The ISO 7404 series now forms a near-seamless workflow: from sample preparation, through petrographic characterization, to rank determination, ensuring end-to-end data integrity.
• Reproducibility and Accreditation: All standards incorporate updated input from the ICCP, highlighting a trend toward accredited, globally harmonized protocols and scientific rigor in coal analysis.
• Adapting to Resource Complexity: Special guidance for blends, low-rank coals, and high-mineral content samples reflects industry realities—blending is more common, and resources are increasingly variable.
• Support for International Trade: ISO 2950’s revision provides much-needed clarity for resource classification, facilitating international market communication and contract specification.

The focus on comprehensive, interconnected standards suggests that the mining and minerals sector is proactively responding to demand for greater analytical traceability, quality assurance, and regulatory accountability—with direct downstream impacts in trading, emissions monitoring, and resource optimization.

Compliance and Implementation Considerations

Organizations affected by these standards should:

1. Review Laboratory Protocols: Ensure that all sample preparation and petrographic analysis aligns with the revised methods—pay particular attention to any equipment or reagent changes (notably, exclusion of certain polishing methods).
2. Invest in Competency and Training: Given manual measurement requirements (e.g., vitrinite reflectance), invest in training analysts—consider ICCP accreditation for critical processes.
3. Update Quality and Reporting Systems: Standardize reporting templates and integrate cross-checks for repeatability and reproducibility as described in each standard, particularly for organizations selling coal internationally.
4. Plan for Blending Challenges: In cases of coal blends, implement protocols for both maceral and reflectance correction as specified in ISO 7404 parts 3 and 5.
5. Establish Resource Inventory Classification: Leverage ISO 2950 to reclassify existing brown coal and lignite resources, updating procurement, contracts, and emissions reporting as needed.

Timeline Considerations: While the standards are effective upon publication, transitional application periods may be necessary, particularly where equipment changes or new training are required. Early adoption will position organizations ahead of regulatory and market curve.

Resources:

• Access full texts via iTeh Standards and consider participating in ICCP or national standards committees for ongoing updates.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from October 2025

October 2025 marked a notable period of standards evolution for the mining and minerals sector, particularly in coal analysis and classification. The updated ISO 7404 series and the new ISO 2950 collectively offer a harmonized, internationally credible framework for sample preparation, petrographic analysis, and resource categorization—directly supporting both scientific rigor and operational efficiency.

Professionals in this field should prioritize reviewing and integrating these standards, both to maintain compliance and to leverage the improved reproducibility and transparency they deliver. By staying current, organizations can ensure robust supply chains, competitive commercial positioning, and ongoing regulatory assurance.

For a deeper dive, professionals are strongly encouraged to access the full standards via the links above and explore the comprehensive resources on iTeh Standards.