IMP@CT is a collaborative research project funded by the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. The overall aim of the project is to develop a switch on-switch off (SOSO) mining paradigm to improve the viability of small, high grade ore deposits. My work has focused on the development and validation of appropriate working practices for a new ore sorting test facility. Mine sites in the West Balkans region are used as a proxy for this study. Summary of responsibilities:• Routine preparation of rock samples for testwork in the Minerals Processing Laboratory. I have rigorously adhered to standard operational procedures for all equipment and best health and safety practices.• Particle size analysis of prepared samples (using sieving/screening) to feed into comminution models for mineral processing flowsheets.• Testing of mineral processing techniques including gravity separation and sensor-based ore sorting.• Establishment of procedures for an automated XRF ore sorter.• Assaying of prepared mineral processing samples using XRF to generate a metallurgical framework for predicting ore recoverability.• Preparation of mine water samples for ICP-MS analysis.• SEM analysis (EDS element mapping, QEMSCAN) of petrological and metallurgical samples to assess ore paragenesis and liberation characteristics.• Completion of risk assessments (and COSHH assessments when required) for all activities undertaken.• Supported the training of less experienced colleagues in safely carrying out laboratory procedures.

Inputting and processing of incoming book orders by mail and telephone using the NetSuite system. Answered customer queries over the telephone relating to order issues and general enquiries. Routinely checked for payment issues or system errors in orders on hold and logging these onto an Excel spreadsheet. This was a temporary role arranged by Huntress Recruitment.

Administrative support for the clinical governance team at Newcross to ensure a high standard of service. Responsibilities include systems management, events booking, induction planning for new starters, production and communication of reports with analysis of and recommendation on results, and quality assurance auditing. This was a temporary role arranged by Huntress Recruitment.

Provided technical support on a project using automated mineralogy for bulk modal, locking and liberation analysis on samples from the Kansanshi copper mine, Zambia. Routine application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for data acquisition, with subsequent ore characterisation and reporting using the software Mineralogic Mining. Additional duties included sample preparation and concrete classification as part of an ongoing mundic testing programme.

Core logging of granite drill holes as part of a geo-metallurgical ore body variability program. Conducting an extensive specific gravity (SG) testwork using the "hot wax" bathometric method alongside the recording of the alteration mineralogies. Accurate SG testwork was crucial as it enables accurate conversions between cubic meters and tonnes over the deposit. The results were analysed statistically and comparisons were made with historical datasets.