The assay process plays a critical role in production at New Gold’s Rainy River Mine. Every sample processed in the lab helps determine the concentration of precious metals and other key elements in the ore, guiding mine planning, exploration targeting, and even financial forecasting.
“The Assay Lab is the eyes of the operation,” says Jorge Cabrera, Assay Lab Supervisor. “The data we collect helps everyone understand exactly what we’re working with and make the right decisions for the mine.”
Assay Lab staff determine the gold, silver, carbon, and sulfur content in each sample, providing essential information to geologists, metallurgists, mine planners, and operations teams. This work requires technical expertise, attention to detail, and close teamwork.
Andrea Hayes and Tammy Hiebert, the lab’s experienced lead hands, play a key role in mentoring new team members and ensuring the lab’s high standards are maintained. “The accuracy of our work depends on consistency, communication, and teamwork,” says Tammy. “Everyone here understands that our results have a direct impact on the success of the mine.”
A core part of the lab’s work is the fire assay process, a centuries-old method still regarded as the most reliable way to measure precious metals. Pulverized ore samples are mixed with flux, heated to around 1100°C in a furnace to separate precious metals from other materials, and reduced to a small lead button. This button is then refined through cupellation to leave a bead of gold and silver, which is weighed with high precision to determine grade.
“Finding good results, accurate results, is very satisfying,” says Assay Lab Technician Valerie Moor.
Valerie, who joined mining during the COVID-19 pandemic, works alongside colleagues like Colleen Zachozy, who transitioned from a different career into the assay lab. While neither expected to end up in mining, both value the work and the opportunities it brings. “Having a great partner and teacher like Val has made all the difference,” says Colleen. “I hope to be here at New Gold for the long term.”
The Rainy River Assay Lab’s strength comes from its combination of technical skill, shared experience, and strong collaboration. With a diverse team of dedicated professionals, the lab continues to deliver the precise, dependable results that drive production and help shape the mine’s success.
The post Precision Driving Production: Inside Rainy River’s Assay Lab first appeared on Rainy River Mine.