WGC, MMTC-PAMP launch institute to develop skilled assayers

The World Gold Council and MMTC-PAMP India on Tuesday jointly launched the 'Precious Metals Assay and Training Institute' (PMATI) to develop skilled assayers.

The initiative is aimed at establishing assaying as a certified qualification and career in the country and will enhance gold and the standardisation of best practices in the precious metals industry, a release issued here said.

An assayer is a person who is trained in verifying the purity of gold in ornaments, coins and bars and must adhere to high standards of professional conduct.

"Initially, it will be a one month course for 20 people from the industry and will be extended to another one month course next year. After evaluating these two batches we are planning to extend to full-fledged courses that can become another career option," World Gold Council managing director, India, Somasundaram PR told PTI here.

The first certification course will begin in December 2018.

He said, PMATI is supported by all of the leading trade associations in India including the India Bullion Jewellers Association (IBJA), Gem and Jewellery Promotion Export Council (GJEPC), Bullion Federation of India (BFI), All India Gem and Jewellery Council (GJC), Indian Association of Hallmarking Centres (IAHC) and Association of Gold Refineries and Mints (AGRM).

"India is witnessing significant innovation in how consumers engage with gold. It is imperative that customers receive the highest purity and complete traceability of the metal. We are committed to build infrastructure that allows every customer assurance of both quality and source of the metal. PMATI is a step in this direction supported by all industry bodies," MMTC-PAMP managing director Arjun Raychaudhuri said.