Assay Delays7 Jan 2026 22:23
Just out of interest, a request for info re possible delays in assay laboratory analysis of gold rock samples provided the following:
AI Overview
Yes, there have historically been significant delays in gold assay results in Queensland and across Australia, with reports of wait times up to several weeks.
Reasons for Delays
The delays are generally caused by a combination of factors affecting the entire Australian gold sector, not just Queensland:
High Demand: A surge in gold exploration and new projects across Australia has increased the volume of samples sent to laboratories.
Skills and Labour Shortages: The industry has experienced a lack of skilled labour, from drilling operators to laboratory technicians, which slows down the entire process.
Supply Chain and Cost Pressures: General inflationary pressures on input costs and supply chain issues can affect laboratory operations and efficiency.
Traditional Methods: Conventional fire assay, while an industry standard, is a multi-step process that can take days or weeks for results, especially with high volumes.