Position Summary

The Fire Assay Master is responsible for the accurate, efficient, and safe operation of the fire assay laboratory, ensuring the exact determination of precious metal content (gold, silver, platinum group metals) in ore samples, concentrates, and other materials. This senior role oversees all aspects of the fire assay process — from sample preparation through fusion, cupellation, and final analysis — while maintaining the highest standards of quality control, regulatory compliance, and laboratory safety.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Fire Assay Process

- Oversee and perform all stages of the fire assay process: sample preparation, fusion (lead oxide or litharge fusion), scorification, cupellation, and parting.
- Ensure accurate weighing, fluxing, and blending of ore samples for fusion in accordance with established procedures.
- Operate and maintain high-temperature muffle furnaces, cupels, and related laboratory equipment.
- Perform gravimetric and spectrometric finishing techniques (gravimetric, AAS, ICP-OES/MS) for final precious metal determination.
- Manage crucible and cupel inventory, preparation of lead buttons, and flux formulations.
- Supervise fire assaying of exploration, mine production, and metallurgical samples.

Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QA/QC)

- Implement and maintain comprehensive QA/QC programs including use of certified reference materials (CRMs), blanks, duplicates, and internal standards.
- Monitor laboratory performance through control charts and statistical analysis; identify and investigate anomalous results.
- Conduct and document inter-laboratory comparisons and round-robin testing exercises.
- Ensure chain-of-custody integrity for all samples from receipt through final reporting.
- Prepare and review assay certificates,



ensuring accuracy before release to clients or operations teams.

Personnel Management & Training

- Supervise, train, and mentor assay technicians and laboratory assistants.
- Develop and deliver training programs on fire assay techniques, equipment operation, and safety protocols.
- Conduct performance appraisals, set objectives, and manage day-to-day team scheduling and workflow.
- Foster a culture of precision, accountability, and continuous improvement within the laboratory team.

Safety, Health & Environment (SHE)

- Enforce strict compliance with occupational health and safety regulations, including management of lead exposure, hazardous chemicals, and high-temperature equipment.
- Maintain current knowledge of regulations governing the use and disposal of lead, acids (nitric, hydrochloric), and other laboratory chemicals.
- Conduct regular safety audits, toolbox talks, and risk assessments.
- Ensure proper use and maintenance of PPE (lead aprons, respirators, heat-resistant gloves, face shields).
- Monitor and manage ventilation systems critical to lead fume extraction and laboratory air quality.

Equipment & Facility Management

- Oversee maintenance, calibration, and repair schedules for all laboratory equipment including muffle furnaces, analytical balances, fume hoods, and analytical instruments.
- Manage laboratory reagent and supply inventory, procurement, and stock control.




- Ensure laboratory facilities meet accreditation standards (e.g., ISO 17025) and are audit-ready at all times.
- Liaise with equipment vendors and service providers for maintenance contracts.

Reporting & Administration

- Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly laboratory performance and throughput reports for management.
- Maintain accurate records of all assay results, QC data, equipment logs, and reagent usage.
- Support internal and external laboratory audits and accreditation reviews.
- Contribute to the development and review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and method validations.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

- Minimum 7-10 years of hands-on fire assay experience in a mining or commercial assay laboratory environment.
- Demonstrated expertise in all phases of fire assay: sample prep, fusion, cupellation, parting, and gravimetric/spectrometric finishing.
- At least 3 years in a supervisory or lead assayer capacity.
- Strong understanding of occupational health requirements related to lead exposure and chemical handling.
- Proficiency with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and standard office software.

Preferred / Advantageous

- Degree or diploma in Metallurgy, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, or a related field.
- Experience with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation processes.
- Knowledge of complementary analytical techniques: AAS, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XRF.
- Familiarity with multiple ore types (refractory ores, concentrates, slag, exploration samples).
- Exposure to automated fire assay equipment and robotic laboratory systems.

Core Competencies

Technical Excellence

Leadership & Teamwork

- Precision & attention to detail
- Analytical problem-solving
- Chemical

📌 Fire Assay Master (Chempu)
🏢 St Antonys Jewellery Works
📍 Chempu