Assayer and Sampler

Job overview
In the mining industry assayers and samplers produce information on the ore that is mined.

It is their responsibility to collect and examine samples of the ore regularly in order to determine its nature, quality and quantity.

What do people do in this job?
Samplers work largely underground, specialising in taking samples of ore from different sections of the mine each day.

Assayers work mainly in laboratories, determining, by means of chemical processes or other experiments, the organic and inorganic compounds, intermediate products, process materials and final products obtainable from the ore.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Assayers and samplers should have an interest in geology which will assist them in carrying out rock surveys. 

They have to be prepared to work sometimes in physically demanding conditions and must have a medical certificate of fitness.

What qualifications are needed?
Normally a degree or a technical college qualification in geology.