Precious Metal Refiners of The World

Precious Metal Refiners: The World's Finest

In this section, we will explore precious metal refining and introduce you to some of the most reputable refiners in the world. These firms have established a reputation for delivering exceptional products and services, and they play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the precious metal industry.

Metalor: A Swiss-based Leader in Precious Metal Refining

Metalor, established in 1852 in Le Locle, Switzerland, has a rich history in the precious metal industry. The company was originally founded under the name Martin de Pury & Cie and specialised in smelting and rolling gold for the production of watch cases.

Metalor has recently undergone a significant change in its history. In 2016, the company was acquired by Tanaka Kikinzoku, a family-owned Japanese company established in 1885. Tanaka Kikinzoku is also a world leader in precious metals refining and manufacturing, with 3,500 employees. Both Metalor and Tanaka Kikinzoku are also among the five Referees at the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the London Platinum and Palladium Market (LPPM). In 2016, Metalor also transferred its headquarters to Marin, Switzerland, next to the group's main refinery. This acquisition and relocation solidified Metalor's position as a leading player in the precious metal industry.

Over time, the company expanded its operations and now offers a wide range of refining services for gold, silver, and other precious metals, as well as a variety of gold and silver products such as bars, coins, and granules.

The Perth Mint: Australia's Official Bullion Mint

Established in 1899, The Perth Mint is one of the most renowned precious metal refiners in the world. The Perth Mint is a leading precious metals enterprise in Australia, known for its innovative and premium gold, silver, and platinum coins/bars and services. Fully owned by the Western Australian Government, it is the world's only government-owned and guaranteed precious metals enterprise.

With a history of over 120 years in the gold industry, the Perth Mint has built a reputation for quality and created markets for refined precious metal products globally. In the 2021-22 year, the Perth Mint sold over 19.7 million coins, medallions, and bars, showcasing Australia's icons to the world through the artistry of their coins. As one of Western Australia's largest exporters and manufacturers, the Perth Mint served customers in more than 130 countries and had an annual turnover of AUD 21.77 billion.

Valcambi Suisse: A Swiss-based Refiner of Exceptional Quality

Valcambi Suisse, established more than 50 years ago, is a Swiss-based precious metal refiner known for its exceptional products and services. They offer a comprehensive range of refining services that include transportation, assaying, refining, and storage of precious metals such as gold, silver, and other precious metals. Valcambi Suisse specialises in purifying these metals to a level of fineness suitable for various applications, including coinage, jewelry, and electronic devices. They also produce a variety of gold and silver products such as bars, coins, and granules. With a commitment to quality, Valcambi Suisse is a leading player in the precious metal refining industry.

Umicore: A Belgian-based Refiner with Over Two Centuries of Experience

Umicore, a Belgian-based precious metal refiner established over 200 years ago. The company, known for its refining services for gold, silver and other precious metals and its wide range of gold and silver products such as bars, coins, and granules, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, with the goal of being a responsible corporate citizen. 

In 2021, Umicore unveiled its ambitious sustainability strategy, "Let's go for Zero." The strategy commits the company to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, zero harm, zero inequality and best-in-class governance. Through this strategy, Umicore aims to use its technological know-how, scientific expertise and corporate reach to be an industry leader in sustainability, with a focus on reducing its environmental impact and promoting social responsibility.

Argor SA Chiasso: Swiss Precision in Precious Metal Refining

Argor SA Chiasso, a Swiss-based precious metal refiner with over 70 years of experience in the refining industry, and produce a variety of gold and silver products.  They also offer a wide range of refining services, including the purification of gold, silver, and other precious metals.

The company has generated 23 billion in revenue and has a global presence, with 15,000 employees worldwide, operations in 40 countries, and 5 business locations in Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Latin America and Argor-Alijba. 

PAMP Suisse: Swiss-based Refiner with Unique Designs

PAMP Suisse, another Swiss-based precious metal refiner established over 50 years ago. PAMP recently made a significant contribution to the industry by introducing a new portfolio of Carbon Neutral precious metals products. The products are certified by the Carbon Trust, marking the first time this certification has been achieved in the precious metals industry. In 2020, PAMP Suisse unveiled their Carbon Neutral gold products, which include the bestselling 1kg gold bar and 12.5kg large gold bar, both certified by the Carbon Trust in accordance with the international PAS 2060 Carbon Neutrality Standard.

The company is also working towards achieving the Carbon Neutral certification for their iconic 1oz Lady Fortuna gold bar, further demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. PAMP Suisse also offers refining services for gold, silver and other precious metals, as well as a wide range of gold and silver products such as bars, coins, and granules.

Baird & Co: London-based Refiner with a commitment to Quality

Baird & Co, a London-based precious metal refiner established over 40 years ago. They are known for their attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction, which has helped to establish their reputation as a reputable and trustworthy precious metal refiner. They offer a wide range of products and refining services.

The Royal Mint: A Legacy of Excellence in Precious Metal Refining

The Royal Mint, founded over 1,000 years ago, is one of the oldest and most celebrated precious metal refiners in the world. It is the official mint of the United Kingdom and is fully owned by the government. With its long history and reputation for producing premium products, the Royal Mint is a trusted and respected precious metal refiner.

The Royal Mint produce a range of collectable and numismatic coins. They also produce a range of investment-grade coins, including the gold and silver Britannia and sovereigns. The Royal Mint is committed to producing high-quality, unique and valuable coins that appeal to a wide range of customers.

Conclusion: A Reliable Investment in Pure and High-Grade Precious Metals

Precious metal refining is an imperative process within the realm of finance and investment. The firms discussed in this composition, including Metalor, Perth Mint, Valcambi Suisse, Umicore, Argor SA Chiasso, PAMP Suisse, Baird & Co, and the Royal Mint, are among the most distinguished precious metal refiners in the world, renowned for their exceptional products and services. These firms play a vital role in the precious metal industry, and their commitment to producing pure and high-grade precious metals makes them a reliable choice for discerning investors and collectors.