Assayers are laboratory technicians who examine precious metals, ores, and other geological materials, as well as waste byproducts, in order to obtain information that aids in the discovery, mining, and extraction of minerals. Chemical processing or experimentation in a laboratory for the purpose of determining the composition of materials is also part of the job. If you want to work as an assayer, you’ll almost certainly need a college diploma.
If you want to work as an assayer, you should get a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a concentration in chemistry. Assayers perform a lot of lab tests. Completing a double major in chemistry and geology, while not required, may be even more beneficial. Assayers conduct chemistry lab tests in order to determine the composition of metals, ores, and other geological materials.
If you want to be an assayer, you should do a college internship in assaying in addition to academic coursework. Your classroom learning will be supplemented by the internship. In addition, the internship will allow you to quickly determine whether you have the analytical skills necessary to handle the day-to-day tasks associated with assaying.
Typically, you will look for an assaying job in your final semester of college. Your school’s career services department will most likely be able to connect you with companies looking for assayers. It may also be beneficial for you to seek assistance from your internship supervisor in your job search. Alternatively, you could conduct an online search on a niche website such as Infomine.com, which typically has job listings for assayers and other mining-related professionals.
If you want to work as an assayer, you should have strong math and science skills. Assayers must use computers to track, communicate, and file assay data, so good computer skills are also beneficial. Also, having good decision-making skills can be beneficial because assayers must be able to analyze data, make quick but accurate decisions, and adapt their decision-making skills to a variety of environments, including an office, a lab, and a mining site.
Remember that assayers can work in both public and private environments. Assayers can work in a jewelry store, a mining company, an oil company, a geochemical company, a consulting firm, or the government, for example. You could also start your own assaying research or consulting business after several years of assaying work. In contrast, you could pursue a graduate degree in chemistry or geology, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which would allow you to teach college courses.