We outline a first version of an ambitious goal: The world's first horizontal (matrix-independent) generic sampling standard. The specific needs and requirements are overwhelming, as all the world's analytical standards follow strict matrix or material type classification pigeonholes, leading to a plethora of analytical standards. One could rightly expect a similar multiplication regarding sampling standards, yet the singular HORIZONTAL is aimed at being truly generic. Also the existing style of standards writing is cumbersome and partly contradictory. The current work is presently being pursued in CEN and European Union standardisation regimens, for which reason full disclosure and publication is not allowed. Respecting this constraint, we unofficially present selected key issues involved in developing HORIZONTAL: The objective and scope of a horizontal sampling standard is to delineate the minimum set of principles and procedures needed to guarantee documented representative sampling for all types of materials._x000D_
The horizontal standard is designed for two types of use: 1. auditing/assessing/ improving the reliability of an existing samplingprocedure, and 2. design and implementation of a new sampling procedure (new lot type)._x000D_
The principles in this standard are all derived from the Theory of Sampling (TOS), but the standard is far from a mere collection of TOS principles._x000D_
Representativeness is a characteristic of the sampling process, not of samples themselves. For practical purposes, the horizontal standard follows the fundamental distinction between stationary lots' (0-D, 2-D, 3-D lots) and dynamic lots' (within TOS aka process sampling - including extended, non-moving 1-D lots)._x000D_
TOS' principles of correctness' must never be broken at any stage, lest representativeness is irretrievably lost._x000D_
The horizontal standard is not written in the mandatory fashion for legally binding matrix-specific standards, eg ISO - for the present overarching purpose a different style had to be developed. The standard must be immediately understandable in full, which merits special demands, eg extensive use of didactic illustrations._x000D_
HORIZONTAL introduces an all-inclusive sampling variability measure, Relative Sampling Variance (RSV) which is for sampling of stationary lots as variographics is for process sampling - RSV is to be used as a quality criterion for any stationary sampling procedure as applied to a specific heterogeneity (lot/material)._x000D_
The target for this standard is all individuals, companies, organisations and regulatory bodies who are responsible for sampling: technicians, process engineers, laboratory personal, academic and industrial scientists as well as project leaders, technical managers/directors and top managers._x000D_
Based on current R&D we illustrate the principles promulgated by HORIZONTAL with cases from exploration and mining of minerals commodities, a Finnsh Autosampler' at work in the mining context (RSV) as well as sampling equipment for use in the cement and mineral commodities industries._x000D_
This is an ABSTRACT ONLY. No paper was prepared for this presentation.