The Fire Assay Technician will be responsible for the following key areas of work.

Sample Preparation Execution

The role prepares production samples by crushing, splitting, and pulverizing materials to ensure representative analysis for fire assay.

Fire Assay Operation

This position performs fusion, cupellation, and parting procedures to isolate gold and silver from base metal matrices.

Instrumental Analysis

The technician operates Atomic Absorption Spectrometers or similar instruments to quantify final gold purity levels accurately.

Quality Control Monitoring

The role runs certified reference materials and duplicates in each batch to validate analytical precision and accuracy.

Equipment Maintenance Support

This position conducts routine calibration of balances and furnaces while reporting mechanical issues to maintenance staff.

Safety Compliance Adherence

The technician handles hazardous chemicals such as lead oxide and acids in strict compliance with HSE guidelines and ventilation standards.

Data Recording Integrity

The role enters assay results into the Laboratory Information Management System to support bullion certification and inventory reconciliation.

Audit Readiness Participation

This position maintains organized records of sample logs and calibration certificates to facilitate ISO 17025 and LBMA audits.

Preferred / Nice-to-have

• Experience in an LBMA-accredited refinery or similar high-compliance precious metals environment.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for digital data tracking.
• Knowledge of refining processes such as Miller or Wohlwill methods to contextualize assay results.
• Certification in hazardous material handling or laboratory safety protocols.

Success Metrics

• Assay precision remains within 0.5% deviation from certified reference values across all shifts.
• Zero safety incidents related to chemical handling or furnace operations during the review period.
• 100% completion of scheduled quality control checks and duplicate sample analyses.
• No major non-conformities identified in laboratory practices during internal or external audits.
• Sample turnaround time meets daily production targets without compromising analytical accuracy.
• All assay data entered into LIMS is accurate and requires no post-validation corrections.
• Equipment calibration logs are up to date and available for inspection at all times.

Desired Candidate Profile

Holds a Diploma or Degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy, or Geology from an accredited university or TVTC institute.

Has minimum three years of experience in fire assay within a mining, refining, or commercial laboratory.

Demonstrates practical skills in cupellation, inquartation, and gravimetric analysis techniques.

Understands ISO 17025 requirements for laboratory competence and quality management.

Shows ability to work safely with high-temperature furnaces and toxic reagents in an industrial setting.

Communicates technical data clearly in English for reporting and handover purposes.

Meets national Saudization criteria for technical employment in the industrial sector.