The question of how to certify mineral assay laboratories and analysts has been a hot topic in the industry over the past few years. In British Columbia, a successful program of assayer registration has been in effect for more than 100 years.
The B.C. Assayer Certification Program, which was instituted by the Ministry of Energy and Mines in 1895 to promote excellence in analytical expertise in the mineral industry, has certified more than 600 assayers.
An innovative new way to administrate the program was initiated in 1998, when the B.C. Assayer Council of Advisors Partnership was formed. The partnership, which consists of government, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and industry, is committed to holding the B.C. Certification Assayer program to the highest standards of quality while ensuring that it serves the needs of all stakeholders. To accomplish this, the partnership has pledged to provide good counsel on the direction of the assayers program, ensure that the program receives adequate funding, promote public awareness, and encourage the participation of individuals, industries, institutions and government.
The three partners bring a range of expertise to the council and provide a base of support for the B.C. Assayer Board of Examiners. The board holds periodic examinations that include written components, as well as 1-week practical exams. The candidates who fulfil the rigorous requirements of the exam are granted a certificate of proficiency by the Ministry of Energy and Mines. The registered assayers are recognized worldwide for their dedication to high-quality analytical work and are major contributors to Canada’s mineral analytical laboratory industry.
The ministry provides administrative support and partial funding, whereas industry provides experience in guiding the program, as well as ores for test samples and additional funding. To meet the needs of the mining industry, the BCIT has developed a training program that involves up to two years of combined classroom work and practical experience in assaying techniques. The program is available through evening courses or by computer modules for remote learning.
The web site www.assay.bcit.ca has been created; it contains information on the BCIT program, the board of examiners, and details on how to join the partnership. The site also contains a register of B.C. Certified Assayers and links to the 11 industry members.
The formation of the partnership ensures that this important certification program continues. It also provides a vehicle for participation by industry and educators.
The council is working to make sure that the next generation of assayers has the skills and integrity to work in Canada’s mineral industry.
— The author is the chairman of the B.C. Assayers Council of Advisors.
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