MSL975041Perform fire assay techniques

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What an assessment for MSL975041 must cover

53 assessable components: 5 elements (29 performance criteria), 10 performance evidence and 13 knowledge evidence requirements, plus 1 foundation skills. An audit-defensible tool maps every question and task back to these — that mapping is the coverage matrix Auditori generates alongside the assessment.

Elements & performance criteria

1 Classify ore samples and select fluxing method

  • 1.1Review client request to identify sample/analysis requirements, preparation methods and equipment involved
  • 1.2Inspect samples, compare with specifications, record and report any discrepancies
  • 1.3Conduct visual and simple chemical tests to identify the type of sample and sulphide concentrations
  • 1.4Review client sample/analysis history and identify possible chemical interferences
  • 1.5Decide whether non-standard fluxing is required
  • 1.6Select sample weight and flux to optimise precious metal recovery and purity

2 Prepare for precious metal recovery

  • 2.1Identify hazards and workplace safety procedures associated with the sample, preparation methods, reagents and equipment
  • 2.2Examine the recommended preparation method to identify the critical steps that will affect the quality of analytical results
  • 2.3Plan parallel work sequences to optimise the throughput of multiple sets of samples
  • 2.4Assemble all required equipment, materials, reagents and check they are fit for purpose

3 Recover precious metals from ore sample

  • 3.1Weigh required amounts of sample and flux components to achieve an acceptable button and fluid slag
  • 3.2Select the type and size of pot to suit sample method and client requirements
  • 3.3Mix charge to ensure homogeneity and optimal collection of precious metal
  • 3.4Set and monitor furnace temperature/time to ensure complete fusion
  • 3.5Separate slag and button with minimal loss of lead collector
  • 3.6Maintain sequencing in order to track samples, buttons and prills throughout the recovery process
  • 3.7Separate lead collector from the required precious metal and check for contamination, losses and evidence of other precious metals
  • 3.8Minimise personal exposure to hazards and the release of collectors to the work environment
  • 3.9Collate laboratory documentation and the prepared sample and present for analysis

4 Troubleshoot and correct failed recovery

  • 4.1Monitor all stages of recovery for indicators of potential loss
  • 4.2Recognise undesirable recovery conditions and decide whether the process requires correction
  • 4.3Choose an appropriate corrective action and re-start the process
  • 4.4Document any adjustments made to standard methods and re-sequencing of samples
  • 4.5Seek advice when problems are beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge

5 Perform daily maintenance of assay equipment

  • 5.1Segregate and dispose of waste in accordance with workplace requirements
  • 5.2Grade and inspect pots using established criteria prior to storage for re-use
  • 5.3Inspect furnaces for cracks, unserviceable components and remove slag
  • 5.4Inspect and clean extractive systems
  • 5.5Report defective equipment and consumable requirements to appropriate personnel

Performance evidence

  • safely performed fire assay techniques to extract a range of precious metals from 3 different host matrices in readiness for analysis
  • maintaining sequential control of samples through all recovery stages
  • optimising work flow to ensure efficiency of recovery for multiple client samples
  • recognising and identifying the cause of non-acceptable received and fused samples, buttons and prills
  • keeping accurate and complete records
  • pour sheets (date, time, client, pour number and preparation method)
  • number of pots, positions of sample, blank and check in rack
  • adjustments made to standard preparation methods for specific samples
  • analytical method
  • assay data

Knowledge evidence

  • chemical and physical principles relating to: fusion of mineral ores; cupellation; parting and digestion processes; expected physical and chemical properties of materials at each recovery stage
  • standard methods for the fire assay of a range of precious metal ores relevant to job role
  • criteria for an ‘acceptable’ button, including: one piece, mass >20g and <50g; malleable; separates cleanly from slag; free of undecomposed ore, matte and speiss
  • causes of contamination, including: poorly made cupels; base metals (copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and bismuth (Bi)); arsenic (As), sulphur (S), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), tellurium (Te) and chromium (Cr); scoria; sprouting
  • indicators of potential loss and the corrective actions, including: viscous slag (check furnace temperature, adjust flux and lower charge weight); lead shotting (adjust flux and lower charge weight to compensate for high oxides, silicates and chromites); sulphides (adjust fusion time and adjust sample weight and/or flux); matte, speiss (adjust sample weight and flux); incomplete fusion (adjust sample weight and/or flux); unacceptable button (adjust sample weight and/or flux); inquartation (add 3 parts silver (Ag) to prill, wrap in lead foil and re-cupel)
  • typical samples: solids, such as rocks, minerals, soils, sands and stream sediments; core and other drill samples, such as rotary air blast (RAB), reverse circulation (RC) and aircore; slurries, powder concentrates and metallurgical solutions; dump samples and grab samples
  • common fluxes: bulk fluxes containing PbO, borax, soda ash, silica, silver nitrate and flour; non-standard flux additives such as: flour (oxidising samples); nitre (reducing samples, sulphides); silica (basic ores); PbO (siliceous ores); exotic additives, such as calcium fluoride (CaF2) (refractory ores); nickel sulphide (NiS), nickel carbonate (NiCO3), sulphur, borax and soda ash)
  • methods to sequence pots in a rack: addition of silver wire; addition of coloured salts, such as copper (Cu); position of reagent blanks, standards and check samples
  • common waste produced through recovery
  • principles and purpose of test methods implemented (why they are used and what they demonstrate)
  • technological advances that include automation
  • awareness of environmental sustainability issues as they relate to the work task
  • legal, ethical and work health and safety (WHS) requirements specific to the work task including traceability, confidentiality and security requirements of all client information, and laboratory data and records

Foundation skills

  • Problem solving skills: identify indicators of poor recovery and contamination; apply knowledge of mineral chemistry and fire assay techniques to solve recovery and contamination problems.

Unit content sourced from training.gov.au — © Commonwealth of Australia, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Auditori is not affiliated with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

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Questions about assessing MSL975041

What does an assessment tool for MSL975041 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for MSL975041 needs to address all 53 unit components: 5 elements with 29 performance criteria, 10 performance evidence requirements, 13 knowledge evidence requirements, and the foundation skills. A coverage matrix mapping each question and task to these components is what an auditor looks for.

How does Auditori generate an assessment tool for MSL975041?

Auditori pulls the current release of MSL975041 from training.gov.au and generates a complete package: candidate assessment, assessor guide with model answers and observation criteria, and a coverage matrix mapping every component. A suitably qualified person then reviews and approves the draft in a built-in workflow — consistent with ASQA's guidance on AI use in VET — before export as branded PDF and editable Word.

Is the first assessment tool really free?

Yes. Every new account includes one free credit — enough to generate the complete assessment tool for MSL975041 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing MSL975041 assessment instead of generating a new one?

Yes — upload your existing assessment or learner guide and Auditori maps it against every element, performance criterion, PE and KE of MSL975041, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.

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