Summary
Saudi Gold Refinery is hiring a Fire Assay Technician in Riyadh to analyze gold doré and bullion samples. The role includes sample preparation, fire assay procedures, instrumental analysis, quality checks, equipment calibration, safety compliance and recording results in LIMS. Applicants need a diploma or degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy or Geology and at least three years of fire assay experience, with knowledge of ISO 17025 requirements. Candidates must meet national Saudization criteria for technical employment in the industrial sector.
The posting
As published on careers-page.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Fire Assy Technician - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
About Saudi Gold Refinery
Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is a Saudi mining and precious-metals company specialized in the refining of gold and precious metals, bullion production, and value-added precious-metal services. Operating within the Kingdom's mining value chain, SGR is aligned to the Vision 2030 mining pillar and to the regulatory framework set by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) and applicable Saudi and international standards. We produce responsibly sourced, traceable, and certified bullion, operate to LBMA Good Delivery and ISO-aligned quality standards, and invest in the people, processes, and controls behind every bar we produce.
Role Overview
Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking a Fire Assay Technician in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to execute precise chemical analysis of gold dore and bullion samples. This role supports the laboratory's commitment to LBMA Good Delivery standards by ensuring accurate determination of precious metal content. The technician will operate within a controlled industrial environment, adhering to strict safety and quality protocols for refining operations.
The Fire Assay Technician will report directly to the Lab Manager and will play a key role in maintaining the integrity of assay data used for production yield and certification. This position requires technical expertise in fire assay methods and a disciplined approach to laboratory safety and documentation.
Key Responsibilities
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.
Qualifications
- 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.
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.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Saudi Gold Refinery welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Hiring decisions are made based on role requirements, skills, experience, and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 priorities.