Assayer Training

Comprehensive training in Mineral Assaying is available through Chemical and Environmental Technology on a Part-time Studies basis (as night school, distance education, workshop, or online courses). These courses were developed to meet the mining industry’s growing demands for skilled and competent assayers in B.C. The advanced training we offer in applied analytical chemistry prepares successful students to become eligible to write the exam for Provincial Certification given by the B.C. Ministry of Energy and Mines. Students can also opt to take any part of the training for the purpose of job upgrading, information only, or as a “refresher”. The complete training involves 1.5 – 2 years of combined classroom work and lab practicums. Lab practicums (considered an essential component of this training) help students gain maximum benefit from classroom work; it also helps students develop speed and accuracy in analytical work. Enrolment in each course is limited to 12 students. Mineral Assaying training covers:

• Introduction to assaying.
• Fire assaying and mineral identification.
• Classical wet assaying and qualitative analysis.
• Selectivity and specificity of analytical procedures.
• Analytical instrumentation-theory, and practical.
• Sampling theory and methods.
• Statistical analysis.
• Reference standards.
• Laboratory practicum.