Assay Master

Role

ASSAYER JOB DESCRIPTION & QUALIFICATION CRITERIA

Position: Assayer / Laboratory Analyst Gold Refinery
Department: Quality Control / Assay Laboratory
Reporting to: Technical Manager / Laboratory Manager

A. Minimum qualification

Preferred:

• B.Sc. Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry or equivalent
• M.Sc. Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry preferred for senior positions
• Metallurgy / Metallurgical Engineering qualification may be considered where relevant to the laboratory scope
• Diploma/ITI with substantial relevant gold-assay experience may be considered for technical/support roles, subject to documented competency

B. Experience

For an independent Assayer, preferably:

• Minimum 2–3 years relevant laboratory experience, and
• Practical experience in gold assay/testing
• Experience in Fire Assay/Cupellation is strongly preferred where this method is within the laboratory's scope
• Experience with XRF is desirable if XRF testing is included in the scope

For a person who will authorize/sign test reports, qualification and experience should be checked against the applicable NABL personnel-competency requirements and the laboratory's defined scope.

C. Technical competency

The Assayer shall demonstrate competence, as applicable, in:

• Sampling and sample preparation
• Gold bullion/alloy sample handling
• Fire Assay/Cupellation
• XRF operation, if applicable
• Balance operation and verification
• Furnace operation
• Crucible/cupel preparation and handling
• Reference materials/CRM handling
• Calibration/verification of equipment
• Quality-control checks
• Repeatability and reproducibility checks
• Calculation of assay results
• Measurement uncertainty, where applicable
• Identification and handling of non-conforming results
• Laboratory safety
• Maintaining technical records

D. NABL-related competency

The laboratory shall maintain documented evidence of:

• Educational qualification
• Previous experience
• Training records
• Method-specific training
• Practical competency assessment
• Witnessed demonstration of testing
• Internal/external training certificates, where applicable
• Authorization for specific tests/methods
• Periodic monitoring of competence

2. ASSAYER RESPONSIBILITIES

The Assayer shall:

1. Receive and identify samples according to the laboratory procedure.
2. Ensure proper sample preparation and traceability.
3. Perform gold assay according to the approved laboratory method.
4. Operate laboratory equipment only after demonstrating competency.
5. Perform required QC checks and record results.
6. Maintain laboratory worksheets and raw data.
7. Calculate assay results correctly.
8. Report any abnormal, questionable or out-of-control result to the Technical Manager.
9. Maintain confidentiality of customer/refinery assay results.
10. Follow laboratory safety procedures.
11. Prevent contamination and mix-up of samples.
12. Participate in proficiency testing/interlaboratory comparison where assigned.
13. Participate in internal competency evaluations.
14. Not modify an approved test method without authorization.
15. Not release/authorize results unless specifically authorized by the laboratory.