Our Process

The Gold Refining Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

At Aurumm Trading we are often asked about the methods and equipment used to test and refine gold with precision and care. Our knowledge of the refining process is second to none, understanding the differences between Italian, Turkish, Chinese and Indian systems is key to know which refineries have employed the latest technology, but also to know the procedures and chemicals used, not only to produce the higest quality of gold, but also to ensure and understand how to minimise and reduce losses of pure gold at the end of the process. The process below provides a simplistic overview of the main refining process used for hundreds of years all over the world.

1
Initial Assessment and Weighing

The first step in the refining process is receiving and assessing the raw gold material. Upon arrival at our facility, the gold is carefully weighed and logged to ensure accurate tracking throughout the process. A preliminary inspection is carried out to evaluate the material’s composition.

2
Smelting

Once assessed, the raw gold material is subjected to smelting. During this stage, the gold is heated in a high-temperature furnace until it reaches its melting point. This allows us to separate the metal from impurities such as base metals or other non-precious substances. The molten gold is then poured into molds to form bars or ingots for further refinement.

3
Chemical Refining (Aqua Regia Process)

The next phase involves chemical refining, typically using the Aqua Regia process. Aqua Regia, a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid, is used to dissolve the gold, separating it from other metals or impurities that may still be present. This step results in a highly pure gold solution, which is then carefully filtered to remove residual particles.

4
Precipitation and Recovery

Once dissolved, the gold is precipitated out of the solution by introducing a reducing agent. The gold forms a solid, which is then recovered, leaving behind the unwanted impurities. This recovered gold is washed, filtered, and dried to ensure maximum purity.

5
Melting and Casting

After chemical refining, the gold is once again melted in a furnace to ensure uniform purity. It is then cast into bars, coins, or other desired shapes based on client requirements. Each cast gold bar undergoes thorough testing to confirm its purity, which often exceeds 99.9%.

6
Final Assaying

Before being delivered to the client, the refined gold is subjected to a final assay. This is a highly accurate process that measures the gold’s purity to ensure it meets international standards. Our team of experts uses advanced techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or fire assay to confirm the gold’s composition and purity.

7
Packaging and Delivery

Once refined and tested, the gold is carefully packaged and prepared for delivery. We ensure secure handling and transportation to guarantee that our clients receive their refined gold in pristine condition and with full certification of its purity.