Possible Clues:

• Examine, as ore
• When, for example, to test for quality
• Test the quality of lead-free fuel, for example?
• Mineralogist's job
• ... when, for instance, there's a test
• Test ore for value
• Appraisal of the state of affairs
• Analyse ore for metal content
• Conduct a trial. like in a manner of speaking
• 'Analyse, precious metal, say (5)'