Fire assay is the industry standard process for obtaining gold and platinum group element (PGE) concentrations from high-grade ores.

This skill set covers the skills and knowledge needed to follow standard procedures for extracting a range of precious metals from their host matrices in readiness for analysis.

Fire pourers are expected to handle routine samples, recognise common sample preparation and cupellation problems and make standard adjustments to fluxes and firings.

You'll also gain the knowledge required to select and/or modify laboratory methods to suit particular ores and to ensure total recovery.

North Metropolitan TAFE has a custom built fire assaying facility with associated laboratory to perform analysis.