Laboratory Assistant

Responsibilities

• Mixing a portion of finely pulverised sample with assay flux in clay crucibles.
• Fusing the above mixture in a fusion furnace at approximately 1100 C and pouring the melt into cast iron moulds.
• Retrieving solidified melt and retrieving a lead button.
• Ensuring the lead button is free from impurities
• Cupellation of the lead button in a cupellation furnace at approximately 950 С to oxidise and remove the lead by absorption in the cupel so that only a small prill remains containing all precious metals extracted from the original sample.
• Sending the prill for weighing or digestion before instrumental analysis.
• Before samples are analysed in Fire Assay they are weighed.
• Weighing Responsibilities:
• Check and maintain order of the samples being processed and sample's identification.
• Handle the samples to preserve their identification and prevent their loss, contamination or confusion.
• Check method, all notes on Worksheet and follow direction when it is added.
• Weigh samples according to SOP.
• Fill in appropriate forms and worksheets and sign/initial records.
• Always operate equipment according to instructions/manuals and follow safety rules. Keep equipment and workplace clean. When work is finished, tidy up the work area.
• The product of the Fire Assay Lead Collection procedure is silver and precious metals prills. Gold, silver or both are determined either by instrumental analysis or gravimetrically on the principle of "Parting" silver from precious metals in a prill using dilute nitric acid.
• After the Fire Assay process the prill is digested using various acids and sent to the lab for analysis.
• It is the responsibility of the technician performing any fire assay duties (weighing or sample digest) to understand all the procedures associated with the method.
• Ensure equipment used is properly calibrated
• Maintain sample order during all processes. As there are numerous manual handling processes involved in this procedure it is critical that all efforts are made to ensure correct sample order is retained.
• Handle prills with care and ensure they are not "lost" during any of the dissolution, decanting, washing or other handling processes.
• Inform their supervisor if problems are encountered

Requirements

• This is an entry level position and previous laboratory experience, while being a bonus, is not required. All necessary training and instructions will be provided.
• Good numerical, communication, organisational and time management skills
• Good physical fitness and ability to undertake shift work if required. -
• Ability to follow written procedures and be detail oriented, highly motivated, and able to work independently as well as a part of the team
• A high regard for personal safety and the safety of others
• Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines
• The ability to work in a hot, manual intensive work environment
• To be flexible and reliable to meet the high demands of the department

Benefits

Additional Information

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join us, you'll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future. ALS Minerals are hiring candidates to work in the well-equipped Fire Assay Department at our state-of-the-art Geochemistry Laboratory in Loughrea, Co. Galway, our Hub laboratory for a vast region that includes Europe, Africa and Middle East. We are currently hiring our Day shift ( 7:00am - 5:00pm ) Monday to Friday. Fire Assay is a process for the analysis of precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium in samples of rocks, ores and minerals.

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