Norton mining operates a gold processing facility in the Boyne Valley, approximately 100 km south-west of
Gladstone. We are seeking an experienced Laboratory Technician to join our on-site assay laboratory, supporting
metallurgical operations and quality control of gold concentrate destined for shipment.
This role is critical to the integrity of our concentrate sales acquittals and to providing timely, accurate metallurgical
data that drives plant performance decisions. The successful candidate will have hands-on experience in fire assay,
AAS analysis, and gold concentrate testing.
Sample Preparation
Receive, log, and prepare ore, mill feed, tailings, and gold concentrate samples per chain-of-custody procedures.
Operate jaw crushers, rotary splitters, and ring/bowl pulverisers; maintain target P80 and contamination control
between samples.
Manage sample drying ovens, riffle splitting, and sub-sampling for assay aliquots.
Assay & Analysis
Perform fire assay (lead collection) for gold determination on ore, concentrate, tailings, and process streams.
Operate AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometer) for Au/Ag finish on fire assay solutions; troubleshoot calibration
and matrix issues.
Conduct moisture, density, sizing, and screen analyses; head grade, ratio of concentration, and recovery
calculations.
Perform cyanide-soluble gold (BLEG / bottle roll) and acid digest analyses as required by the metallurgical
schedule.
Operate XRF and/or ICP-OES instruments where applicable.
Concentrate QC for Shipment
Sample and assay every gold concentrate shipment lot against contract specifications for moisture, Au, Ag, and
deleterious elements.
Cross-check in-house results against settlement assays from the smelter / refinery; investigate variances.
Prepare, seal, and dispatch umpire samples; maintain compliant records for sales contract acquittal.
Quality Control & Compliance
Run blanks, duplicates, and certified reference materials (CRMs) with every batch; maintain control charts and
flag out-of-control results.
Calibrate and maintain laboratory instruments — AAS, balances, fire assay furnaces, fume cupboards,
pulverisers.
Maintain documentation aligned with ISO 17025 / NATA principles where applicable; follow LIMS data entry
protocols.
Safety & Housekeeping
Strict adherence to safe handling procedures for acids, fluxes (litharge, soda ash, borax, silica), cyanide solutions,
and lead.
Wear correct PPE; participate in pre-start meetings, JSEAs, take-fives, and toolbox talks.
Maintain a clean, organised laboratory; segregate hazardous waste per site SOPs.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract, Permanent
Pay: $49,900.00 – $113,241.63 per year
Expected hours: 40 per week
Work Location: In person