standardsi do believe the reference was to assays standards, which by the way have not changed in the last few years - we have had ISO 9000 certified labs in Canada since 1993. But for what it's worth the standards that apply are as follows:
Appendix 3F Mining Standards Guidelines
(iii) Analytical ResultsAn Issuer must report analytical results in a timely manner and include relevant details such as:
(A) analytical process, including analytical method (ICP, AA, fire assay, etc.), and sample size analyzed;
(B) name and location of assay laboratory together with its relationship to the Issuer, if any; and
(C) certification of each laboratory used, or lack thereof.
Disclosure of analytical results by an Issuer in the form of "values up to..." may be misleading and irrelevant, particularly if such samples are selectively collected. Such disclosure should be supported with appropriate sample descriptions and relevant statistical details such as range and distribution of sample values.
Disclosure by an Issuer of metal equivalents is only acceptable when disclosed in accordance with Item 19(m) of Form 43-101F1.
Analytical results must be reported by individual metal-element-compound. Reporting aggregated grades of different metals/element/compound alone is not acceptable.
(d) specific details of any unusual or non-standard sampling, preparation or analytical procedures must be made by the Issuer and must include results of a duplicate set of samples processed by industry standard procedures for comparative purposes.
(e) the disclosure must clearly distinguish between new and previously issued information. Complete disclosure of check assay results is not required. The Issuer must, however, disclose the nature of the check assay program and whether the results are confirmatory.
(f) the disclosure of selective results is prohibited. If, for example, six holes are drilled and three return mineralization of interest, details of all six holes must be released, including location, direction, geological formations encountered, etc., so as to provide the reader with as complete a picture as possible as to the nature of the prospect.
(g) the reporting of gross metal value is not acceptable.
(h) estimates of quantity and grade, or quality of mineralization must not be reported unless supported by assay results.
(i) an announcement of a planned work program must briefly describe the proposed program, the estimated cost and timetable of the program, and whether the Issuer has funds available to complete the program.