1. ROLE OVERVIEW

The Technical Officer is responsible for conducting gold sampling, weighing, assaying, purity determination, and smelting activities in accordance with approved operational procedures and industry standards. The role ensures accurate assessment of gold quality and value, safe and efficient operation of smelter facilities, and proper handling of gold during purchasing and processing operations.

The position supports gold buying operations through accurate assay results, quality control, secure processing practices, equipment operation, and maintenance of accurate technical and operational records. The role also ensures compliance with safety, security, and regulatory requirements governing gold aggregation and processing activities. The position will be based in Mpika/Shiwang’andu.

2. KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
3. Gold Assaying and Trading

• • Conduct gold sampling, weighing, assaying, and purity determination in accordance with approved operational procedures.
  • Perform visual inspection and preliminary verification of gold-bearing materials presented by artisanal and small-scale miners (ASMs), cooperatives, and suppliers.
  • Operate and interpret X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyser equipment to determine gold composition and purity levels.
  • Ensure accuracy and consistency of assay results prior to completion of gold purchase transactions.
  • Maintain accurate records of assay results, weight measurements, purity levels, and supporting documentation.
  • Ensure all assay activities comply with established quality control standards and operational guidelines.
  • Manage and supervise gold purchasing activities, ensuring all transactions are conducted in line with approved pricing models (LBMA benchmark less agreed discounts), company policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.

1. Smelting and Gold Processing Operations

• Operate smelter facilities, furnaces, and related processing equipment safely and efficiently.
• Conduct gold melting and smelting activities to support gold aggregation and processing operations.
• Prepare and manage smelting materials, in line with approved procedures.
• Monitor furnace temperatures, smelting cycles, and processing outputs to ensure operational efficiency and product quality.
• Support production, handling, labelling, and storage of dore bars and processed gold.
• Minimize processing losses through proper operational controls and adherence to standard operating procedures.

1. Equipment Operations and Maintenance

• Ensure proper setup, calibration, cleaning, and routine inspection of assay and smelting equipment.
• Monitor equipment performance and report faults, breakdowns, or operational irregularities promptly.
• Support preventive maintenance activities to ensure continuous operational readiness of equipment and facilities.
• Maintain tools, machinery, and workstations in a clean, secure, and safe operating condition.

1. Quality Control and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with approved assay, smelting, and operational procedures.
• Adhere to company policies, security protocols, and regulatory requirements relating to gold handling and processing.
• Maintain chain-of-custody controls and accurate inventory documentation for all gold received, processed, and dispatched.
• Support internal audits, inspections, reconciliations, and compliance reviews.
• Ensure adherence to occupational health, safety, environmental, and security standards within the processing environment.

1. Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare and maintain assay reports, processing records, inventory registers, and reconciliation schedules.
• Record gold receipts, assay outcomes, smelting outputs, and dispatch details accurately and timely.
• Provide daily, weekly, and monthly operational updates and technical reports to Management.
• Ensure all operational and technical records are complete, accurate, and readily available for audit purposes.

1. Stakeholder Engagement Support

• Support engagement with artisanal and small-scale miners (ASMs), aggregators, suppliers, and relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate with security, logistics, and operations teams to support safe handling and movement of gold.
• Serve as a liaison between the Company and community stakeholders, facilitating effective communication, addressing concerns, and promoting mutual understanding and collaboration.

3. ESSENTIAL/DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
4. Professional Qualification/ Relevant Work Experience/Other Requirements

• Grade 12 Certificate with five (5) O Levels
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mineral Processing, Metallurgy, Mining Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, or a relevant technical field.
• Certification or training in gold assaying, smelting, or operation of XRF equipment.
• Minimum of Ten (10) years relevant work experience or similar position.
• A Valid Zambian Driver’s License
• Membership of a relevant professional body.

1. Skill Specifications:

• Basic understanding of gold assaying principles, including weight verification, purity testing, and interpretation of assay results.
• Practical experience with gold sampling, assaying, weighing, and purity determination.
• Ability to operate, monitor, and maintain smelting facilities.
• Knowledge of smelting, melting, and basic refining processes.
• Strong understanding of safety procedures when handling metals and processing equipment.
• Ability to maintain accurate technical and production records

1. Other Attributes

• Integrity and professionalism
• Concentration, analysis and attention to detail
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

4. WORKING CONDITIONS

• Field work environment, primarily at gold buying centres
• Secure and controlled operational environment
• May require extended working hours during processing cycles
• Regular local travel within designated trade areas and occasional travel to Lusaka.