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
