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Assay Lab Mining Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... assay platforms * Building pipelines to extract, standardize, and validate metadata and data ... Developing systems that assist with literature mining, data annotation, hypothesis generation, and ...

Assay Lab Mining information

What is an assay lab mining technician?

Assay lab jobs in mining involve analyzing mineral samples to determine the composition and concentration of valuable elements, such as gold, silver, or copper. These professionals use scientific techniques and equipment to conduct tests and ensure that mining operations are extracting profitable materials. The results from assay labs help mining companies make decisions about exploration, extraction, and processing. Typical roles include assay technicians, laboratory analysts, and lab supervisors, all of whom work to maintain accuracy and safety standards.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work as an assay lab mining technician?

To thrive as an Assay Lab Mining Technician, you need a solid background in chemistry, laboratory procedures, and sample analysis, often supported by a relevant degree or technical certification. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as atomic absorption spectrometers, ICP-OES, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong organizational skills help ensure accuracy and efficiency in sample processing. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering reliable assay results that inform mining operations and maintain regulatory compliance.

What are common challenges faced by assay lab mining technicians?

Professionals in assay labs for mining often face challenges such as maintaining strict accuracy and precision when analyzing mineral samples, as results directly impact operational decisions and compliance. They must also work with potentially hazardous chemicals and adhere to stringent safety protocols. Additionally, managing tight turnaround times and large sample volumes can be demanding, especially when supporting active exploration or production sites. Collaboration with geologists, mine engineers, and production teams is essential to ensure that results are correctly interpreted and integrated into the wider mining operations.

What is the difference between Assay Lab Mining vs Geologist?

AspectAssay Lab MiningGeologist
Required CredentialsCertification in laboratory techniques, mining safety, and possibly a degree in geology or related fieldBachelor's or higher in geology or earth sciences, often with field experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting within mining operations, focusing on sample analysisFieldwork and office, studying geological formations and mineral deposits
Industry UsageCommonly employed in mining companies for sample testing and quality controlUsed across exploration, environmental assessment, and resource evaluation

Assay Lab Mining specialists focus on analyzing mineral samples in a lab environment, ensuring quality and compliance. Geologists, on the other hand, study earth formations and mineral deposits in the field and office. Both roles are essential in mining but serve different functions within the industry.

What job categories do people searching Assay Lab Mining jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Assay Lab Mining jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Assay Lab Mining jobs?

Cities in California with the most Assay Lab Mining job openings:

Infographic showing various Assay Lab Mining job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$22.33 - $38.44/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Description

Assay Laboratory Technician - Job Description 

Who We Are

Andean is a fast-growing precious metals producer operating across top-tier jurisdictions in the Americas. With two cornerstone assets - the San Bartolome processing facility in Potosi, Bolivia, and the Soledad Mountain Project in Kern County, California - we are expanding our footprint and shaping the future of responsible mining.

Through Golden Queen Mining Co., LLC, we operate a modern gold and silver open-pit, heap-leach mine just outside Mojave. The site uses conventional open-pit mining, cyanide heap leaching, and Merrill-Crowe processing to recover gold and silver from crushed and agglomerated ore. This is mining at scale, powered by innovation, discipline, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

At Andean, our people are our most valuable resource and critical to our success. Our culture fosters inclusion, collaboration, and rewards success, positioning us to be the employer of choice in the communities where we operate.


Who You Are

You are a motivated and safety-focused individual who enjoys hands-on work and takes pride in producing quality results. You thrive in a team environment, communicate effectively, and maintain high standards of accuracy and attention to detail. Experience working in an assay laboratory is preferred, but a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and commitment to safety are essential.

You are dependable, detail-oriented, and capable of supporting your team in achieving departmental and company objectives while maintaining a safe and productive work environment.


This is a labor-intensive position requiring the ability to perform physically demanding work in a laboratory setting.

This is a safety-sensitive position. As an Assay Laboratory Technician, you will report directly to the Assay Laboratory Supervisor and play a key role in supporting the Company's mining and processing operations.


What You Do

Perform the day-to-day operations of activities in the sample prep laboratory, including sample receiving, drying of samples, splitting samples, pulverizing samples, and weighing samples.

Perform size fraction analysis.

Perform daily work assignments to support testing of samples from mining, crushing, screening, and processing.

Assists in quality assurance and quality control to ensure reliable, consistent, and reproducible results from the sample prep lab.

Perform minor equipment repairs as needed.

Assists in Fire Assay when needed.

Assists with training of new Assay Laboratory Technicians.

Participate in assay laboratory safety meetings.

Offer ideas and suggestions for continuous improvement of assay laboratory operations.

Other duties as assigned.


What You Bring

Experience working in an assay laboratory preferred. 

Experience operating and maintaining laboratory equipment. 

Basic computer and mathematical skills. 

Ability to recognize and respond to quality control variances. 

Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. 

Effective communication and interpersonal skills. 

Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to multitask in a fast-paced environment. 

Results-oriented with high work standards and a professional attitude. 

Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. 

Valid driver's license required.


What We Offer

A competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, which includes the following:

401(k) with company matching

PPO and HMO health insurance plans

9 paid holidays

Vacation accruals


Notice to Recruitment and/or Staffing Firms:

The Company will not pay any fees for recruitment activities related to the hiring of a candidate for any position unless a services agreement has been entered into between the Company and the recruitment and/or staffing firm.

Go to www.goldenqueenllc.com for information on the Company and the Project.