The practice depends on the type of ore and whether the ore is in to ground, being assessed or in a stock pile.

There are both needs: in the ground & in stock pile.

Is it Ni Laterite ore sampling?

Yes Nickel laterite.

I once worked side by side with SGS and their use M-8109/1996 JIS standards. I noticed how almost similar to Intertek and Antam.

Standard No JIS M 8100:1992 Title Particulate materials -- General rules for methods of sampling
http://is.gd/SXfb6U

Standard No JIS M 8109:1996 Title Garnierite nickel ores. Methods for sampling, sample preparation and determination of moisture content http://is.gd/gcuyD1

And below is my additional comment:

From the mineralogical point of view, basically there are two types of Ni Laterite ore. First is when the Ni bound in the goethite structure, and the second one is when the Ni bound in the serpentine structure. Both are the product of weathering process, the Ni bearing goethite mostly distributed in the fine fraction of material as the weathering product of un-serpentinized peridotite/dunite. When the serpentinized peridotite/dunite expose to weathering process, mostly the Ni bearing serpentine type would be resulted. Of course the proportion between both types of ore is various depend on the geological control especially the serpentinization and weathering process.

In the relationship with sampling for Ni grading, it is necessaryto consider the type of Ni Laterite ore. The fines fraction and the rocky material would have different sense of Ni grade, as consequences it is necessary to separate the sampling based on different natural fraction size.

Yes, I am aware of those procedures (but never read them actually). I was informed that the SOP use quartering in splitting the samples, I wonder if this is proper method considering also the always wet condition?

Quartering is taking a specimen not a sample.

The procedure says that “for composition sample, when necessary further drying should be performed” (JIS M 8109-1996, Method of sample preparation 6.1.2).

Of course the dry sample composition would give better sample precision. Based on my experience and considering to the cost, yes you can do composition without drying but you have to make sure that the performance of sample precision is not significant different between both composition method. If you found a significant different, you should start to consider the sample drying in your sample composition procedure. Samples may be solar-dried or dried in an oven at temperature 100 deg. Celsius or less to extent will not impede the composition process and device.

Thanks for the clearance & assurance.