Plant Chemist

About the role

Saudi Gold Refinery is seeking a Plant Chemist to perform precise chemical analysis of dore bars, process solutions, and bullion products in Riyadh. The role supports laboratory outputs that meet LBMA Good Delivery standards and internal quality specifications for gold refining operations.

Key responsibilities

• Perform fire assay, cupellation, and instrumental analysis on incoming dore and process samples to determine precious metal content.
• Operate and maintain ICP‑OES, AAS, and XRF equipment, ensuring regular calibration and minimal downtime.
• Generate certified assay certificates, maintain LIMS records, and ensure compliance with LBMA and SASO standards.
• Manage safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals and laboratory waste in line with HSE policies.
• Provide timely analytical data to refining operators to optimize acid usage and maximize metal recovery.
• Reconcile laboratory sample weights with vault records to maintain chain of custody for precious metal flows.
• Maintain laboratory documentation and calibration logs for ISO 17025 audit readiness.
• Work rotating shifts to provide continuous laboratory support for plant operations.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or related field.
• Minimum three years of experience in an industrial laboratory, preferably in mining or precious‑metals refining.
• Proficiency in fire assay, cupellation, and wet chemical analysis techniques.
• Hands‑on experience with ICP‑OES, AAS, or XRF instrumentation.
• Understanding of ISO 17025 quality management systems and hazardous‑chemical handling regulations.
• Ability to work rotating shifts in an industrial plant environment.

Required skills

• Fire assay
• Cupellation
• ICP‑OES
• AAS
• XRF
• ISO 17025 laboratory standards
• LIMS
• Microsoft Excel