ppm - please explain

Whenever I see companies release their assay results in ppm instead of g/t or %, I am very skeptical. Why would they hide the truth/ try and confuse investors on the geology is what I think.

Can someone with the know how, please explain to me what a ppm is and how to know if its any good.

Here are some random samples I have pulled from ASX announcements:

Ø Sample MD9306: 3722ppm Ni, 1666ppm Cu, 156ppb Pt-Pd

Ø Sample MD9303: 3650ppm Ni, 308ppm Cu, 260ppb Pt-Pd

Ø Sample MD9286: 1606ppm Ni, 469ppm Cu, 75ppb Pt-Pd

Ø Sample MD9287: 1184ppm Ni, 661ppm Cu, 125ppb Pt-Pd

A lot of uranium results are also released in PPM, ie.

ie. uranium-bearing material to 2,500ppm U3O8 through beneficiation .


Someone please explain what ppm means and how to interpret. 2,500ppm looks amazing but is it trying to hide something?

Cheers