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Rand Refinery
Rand Refinery
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Rand Refinery (Pty) Limited is the world's largest integrated single-site precious metals refining and smelting complex. It was established in 1920 to refine gold within South Africa, which had previously been refined in London.

Key Information

History

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It was established in 1920 in Germiston, South Africa, by the Chamber of Mines of South Africa to refine all the gold produced by South Africa's gold mines instead of in London.[1] As of 1919, the Bank of England would receive consignments of raw gold from the producers and issue it to individual refineries, refined and then returned to the Bank for sale, and the hope was that after the Rand Refinery was built, the gold industry would still be financed in London and that the refined gold would be sold in the latter.[2]: 102  On 27 November 1920, Rand Refinery Ltd was registered as a private company, the capital raised from shares of gold mining companies that were members of the Chamber of Mines. The building of the facilities commenced in August 1920.[3] Low-quality ingots would be received from the gold mines and then refined to 99.6% purity and then sold to the South African Reserve Bank for sale around the world on the London and Zurich bullion markets.[4][self-published source][5] By 1922, the supply of gold to London was almost nonexistent and impacted the two major UK refiners, Johnson Matthey and Rothschild.[2]: 104  Rand Refinery is one of five companies accredited as Good Delivery Referees by London Bullion Market Association (LBMA).

Products

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In recent years, Rand Refinery has evolved from a pure refiner of doré to a more rounded company emphasizing beneficiation. It facilitates a wide range of value-added products, including:

  • cast bars
  • minted bars
  • minted coins
  • coin blanks and medallions
  • semi-fabricated products for the jewellery manufacturing industry

By law, the South African Mint Company is the only company allowed to manufacture South African legal tender coins such as the world-famous Krugerrand. Rand Refinery supplies all the gold used to manufacture the coins. It has been appointed the sole supplier of bullion Krugerrands to primary distributors both locally and internationally.

In addition to its smelting and refining services, Rand Refinery offers metallurgical, logistics, and vault services. It acts as an agent for its precious metal depositing customers, and its global market business unit markets all the precious metal produced by the refinery.

References

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from Grokipedia
Rand Refinery (Pty) Limited is one of the world's largest integrated single-site precious metals refining and smelting complexes, located in , , . Established in 1920 by the Chamber of Mines of (now the Minerals Council ), it processes gold dore and other precious metals into high-purity forms, including bars and coin blanks, serving both local mines and international clients. As Africa's sole refinery accredited on the Bullion Market Association (LBMA) List for gold and silver, and one of only seven LBMA-appointed referees, it upholds stringent global standards for the bullion market. The company's origins date back to 1909, when it began operations as the Witwatersrand Co-operative Smelting Works to handle by-products from , such as silver and base metals. Registered as Rand Refinery Limited on November 27, 1920, with an initial capital of £50,000 raised from member companies, refining commenced in late 1921 to localize processing and eliminate high costs associated with shipping to . Over its century-plus history, Rand Refinery has processed more than 50,000 metric tons of —nearly one-third of all ever mined worldwide—and adapted to industry shifts, including expansions in metals refining and value-added fabrication. Key milestones include achieving LBMA status and, in 2003, appointment as an LBMA referee to audit and maintain the integrity of the global system. As an independent private company, Rand Refinery is owned by shareholders from South Africa's gold mining sector, including major houses like (44% stake), , and , ensuring alignment with upstream production needs. Its operations encompass 24-hour assaying, secure vault storage, logistics, and sustainable practices, with ISO certifications in , , and occupational health. Despite declining local gold output, it maintains an annual refining capacity of around 600 metric tons and continues to innovate, such as through its Jewellery Village initiative supporting artisanal manufacturing and community development.

Overview

Location and Facilities

Rand Refinery is situated in , province, , on the , approximately 16 kilometers east of . The location was chosen in the early due to its access to rail services and strategic proximity to the fields, facilitating efficient transport of doré from nearby mines. As the world's largest integrated single-site precious metals refining and smelting complex, all operations occur on this consolidated premises. Facilities were established beginning in late 1921, encompassing dedicated areas for , , and fabrication of precious metals products. Key infrastructure includes electric furnaces for , electrolytic cells for and silver , secure vault storage for at the site, and a high-security vault at OR Tambo for . The Jewellery Village, integrated within the premises, serves as a training and fabrication hub, featuring incubator spaces and skills development programs for and manufacturing targeted at local communities. The site's original infrastructure dates to the , with significant expansions in that replaced coal-fired furnaces with larger electric models and increased capacity to meet growing production demands. Post-2000 modernizations have enhanced secure , vault services, and overall operational efficiency, including recent investments in sustainable technologies like a 4.5 MW solar PV installation operational since 2025, powering 80% of operations (as of 2025).

Role in the Precious Metals Industry

Rand Refinery operates as the world's largest integrated single-site precious metals refining and complex, specializing in the processing of , silver, and metals (PGMs). This facility raw materials from operations and secondary sources, transforming doré bars and concentrates into high-purity products that meet international standards. Its scale enables efficient handling of diverse feedstocks, including low-grade materials, positioning it as a critical hub for the global precious metals . The refinery has held (LBMA) since 1921, making it the sole such accredited refiner in and one of 66 worldwide (as of 2025). As one of only seven LBMA-appointed referees, Rand Refinery plays a pivotal role in upholding the system's integrity by advising on technical standards, evaluating applications, and arbitrating disputes over bar . This status ensures its output is trusted for over-the-counter trading, reinforcing its influence in setting benchmarks for purity and reliability in the industry. Economically, Rand Refinery processes a significant portion of Africa's newly mined doré, including virtually all from , facilitating local value addition by raw exports into finished products and reducing the shipment of unprocessed materials abroad. This activity supports 's gold sector by creating jobs, fostering technological advancements, and contributing to the continent's beneficiation, with an annual capacity of around 600 metric tons. Its operations enhance economic sustainability through responsible sourcing practices aligned with LBMA guidelines, promoting environmental efficiency in water and energy use. In a unique capacity, Rand Refinery serves as the exclusive provider of refined gold blanks for bullion Krugerrands, the world's first modern , minted in partnership with the . Beyond minting, it offers comprehensive services including 24-hour verification, secure logistics, and vault storage to companies and international clients, streamlining the precious metals lifecycle from extraction to market. These integrated offerings solidify its position as a one-stop solution for the industry's logistical and needs.

History

Founding and Early Development

The origins of Rand Refinery trace back to the early , amid the burgeoning industry of South Africa's region, which had been ignited by the 1886 . In , the Transvaal Chamber of Mines established the Witwatersrand Co-operative Smelting Works as a precursor facility to process gold and silver by-products from mine reduction works, reducing reliance on exporting these materials to for refining. This initiative laid the groundwork for localized precious metals processing, addressing the inefficiencies and costs associated with overseas shipment. By the late 1910s, growing dissatisfaction among South African gold producers over high refining charges and delays in London prompted a push for an independent facility. On November 27, 1920, Rand Refinery Limited was officially registered as a private company, with initial capital of £50,000 raised through shares limited to gold mining companies affiliated with the Chamber of Mines; an additional £165,000 was secured via debentures to fund construction. The refinery, located in Germiston, adopted the chlorine refining process—recommended by metallurgist Sir T.K. Rose for its efficiency in treating bullion—marking a strategic shift to retain economic value domestically and support the Witwatersrand mines' output. Refining operations commenced late in 1921, with the facility designed to handle all South African gold production from inception. Early operations faced the challenge of scaling to meet surging demand during the post-World War I production boom, starting with an initial annual capacity of 12 million troy ounces (373 tonnes) of fine . This capacity was quickly outpaced as South African output expanded, necessitating rapid infrastructure enhancements in the to achieve full design levels by 1930. A key milestone came in 1921 with the production of the refinery's first London Good Delivery bars, establishing its credibility in international markets and solidifying its role in global trade. These developments not only mitigated logistical vulnerabilities but also positioned Rand Refinery as a cornerstone of South Africa's precious metals sector.

Key Milestones and Expansion

During the 1930s and 1940s, Rand Refinery processed increasing volumes of doré containing both and silver amid a surge in South African production driven by global demand during , with output peaking at around 500 tonnes in 1945 to support Allied monetary needs. These developments included enhanced smelting and refining capacities, enabling the facility to handle larger volumes, which had been part of operations since the refinery's inception but saw scaled-up electrolytic refining facilities for silver. By the , despite post-war production stabilizing at lower levels around 360 tonnes annually, the refinery solidified its role as the central hub for South African precious metals. In 1965, Rand Refinery undertook a major four-year expansion costing R4 million, which added electrolytic refining facilities and modernized operations to meet growing demands. A pivotal milestone came in 1967 with the launch of production in collaboration with the , marking the world's first modern 1-ounce designed to promote South African exports. This innovation, minted from 22-carat alloy, quickly gained international popularity and helped diversify the refinery's output beyond raw . In 2003, Rand Refinery was appointed as one of five LBMA referees, tasked with auditing and maintaining the integrity of the global system. In the 1970s and 1980s, as domestic production began to decline, Rand Refinery diversified into metals refining and value-added products like fabricated bars and coins to sustain growth. During the apartheid era's in the 1980s and 1990s, the refinery adapted by navigating trade restrictions, amid factual allegations from investigations that refined there was sometimes laundered to evade embargoes and fund the regime. Entering the , Rand Refinery invested R1 billion starting in 2010 to modernize operations, introducing automated systems, robotic bar casting, and streamlined processes that boosted efficiency and increased daily production to 1,000 units. This upgrade enhanced the facility's competitiveness in refining , silver, , and . In 2021, the refinery marked its centenary with celebrations highlighting a century of operations, including refined contributions to over one-third of the world's historical supply and ongoing innovations in precious metals processing.

Ownership and Corporate Structure

Shareholders

Rand Refinery has maintained a private ownership structure since its founding in 1920, held by a of South African companies to align refining operations with the needs of producers. Initial shares were limited to members of the Transvaal Chamber of Mines, raising £50,000 in capital exclusively from these industry participants. This consortium model originated from the earlier Co-operative Smelting Works established in 1909 and evolved to focus ownership among key mining entities. Major shareholders include Sibanye-Stillwater (44% stake as of 2024), AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, DRDGOLD (11.3% as of June 2025), and Harmony Gold, with no single majority owner. Historical shifts in ownership reflect broader industry dynamics, including consolidation in the 1990s as smaller miners merged into larger groups like AngloGold and Harmony, reducing the number of shareholders while strengthening ties to primary doré suppliers. The model benefits Rand Refinery by providing stable funding through shared investments, distributing operational risks across mining partners, and enabling direct input from producers who supply doré for refining, thereby ensuring reliability and industry-aligned decision-making.

Rand Refinery is led by Praveen Baijnath, who was appointed on 1 June 2015 and oversees strategic priorities and . The executive team includes key roles such as Peter Bouwer, responsible for day-to-day operations, and Dean Subramanian, appointed in August 2018 to manage financial oversight. The comprises independent non-executive directors, including Chairman Teddy Daka and Fatima Daniels, alongside non-executive directors such as Dr. Harry Ephraim Mashego and Vitesh Maharaj, who represent major shareholders from the South African industry. This composition ensures a focus on , , and compliance with (JSE) standards and international benchmarks. Rand Refinery maintains strict regulatory adherence as an independent private company governed by the South African Companies Act. It complies with the LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance, including requirements for responsible sourcing, and holds LBMA accreditation as one of seven international referees for the system. Additionally, the refinery is certified under ISO 9001 for and ISO 14001 for environmental management. The company implements employment equity policies to promote diversity and inclusion, aligning with South Africa's Broad-Based (B-BBEE) framework through targets for representation and advancement of historically disadvantaged groups. Skills development initiatives include programs via the Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project and The Jewellery Village, which provide training, incubation, and enterprise support for emerging artisans and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the jewellery sector.

Operations

Refining and Smelting Processes

Rand Refinery processes a variety of input materials, primarily doré bars from gold mines containing approximately 80-95% along with silver and base metals, as well as recycled , jewelry, and industrial by-products. These materials, which may vary in content from a minimum of 50% to over 99%, are received from sources across and globally. The refinery also handles silver-bearing materials and metals (PGMs) such as and integrated into the stream. The process begins with the initial of doré bars and in induction furnaces operating at high frequencies (2,000 Hz) using clay-graphite crucibles, typically handling charges of 125 kg per batch in 20-25 minutes. This step produces molten suitable for refining while allowing for sampling and recovery of s as by-products, such as slags and mattes, which are directed to specialized treatment. For secondary materials like sweeps and concentrates, pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods are employed to recover precious metals, minimizing waste through integrated separation. Gold refining employs the Miller process, where chlorine gas is injected into molten bullion held in 500 kg capacity induction furnaces at around 1,150°C for approximately 35 minutes. This chlorination selectively removes impurities—base metals form gaseous or liquid chlorides like FeCl₃, CuCl, and AgCl, which are skimmed off—yielding gold at 99.5% purity (995 fine). The resulting impure gold is then further purified via the Wohlwill electrolytic process, involving an acidic gold chloride electrolyte where anodes of 99.5% gold dissolve and pure gold deposits on cathodes, achieving 99.99% purity (9999 fine) with daily renewal of electrodes. This step also separates PGMs into a sludge for subsequent recovery. Silver refining involves the collection of from the Miller process, which undergoes leaching and chemical reduction to produce 99.9% silver, followed by electrolytic refining in Moebius or Thum cells to reach 99.99% purity in the form of crystals or granules. PGM refining utilizes wet chemical methods, including and solvent extraction on the sludges from , to isolate concentrates of , , and other PGMs, ensuring integrated recovery with minimal environmental impact. These processes emphasize efficiency in impurity separation to support the refinery's closed-loop operations. Quality control is maintained through an on-site assay laboratory employing fire assay techniques to determine and silver content from dip samples taken during and stages, ensuring accuracy via a twin-stream duplicate system compliant with LBMA standards. Advanced instrumental methods, such as (ICP) , are used for precise , alongside energy-dispersive (EDX) for silver verification, providing 24-hour turnaround and certification of all outputs.

Production Capacity and Technology

Rand Refinery possesses a designed annual refining capacity of 450 to 600 tonnes of and approximately 60 tonnes of silver. Current operational utilization stands at around 75% as of , reflecting a reduction driven by the ongoing decline in South African mine output, which fell by over 6% in compared to prior years. This capacity enables the facility to handle diverse feedstocks while maintaining high-purity outputs compliant with LBMA standards. Key technologies at the refinery include mechanized parallel manufacturing lines for efficient casting of gold bars and granules, enhancing throughput and precision in value-added product creation. Recent upgrades feature a installation providing 80% of operational energy as of 2025, with plans to achieve full renewable sourcing by 2027, thereby improving overall energy efficiency. The facility also incorporates pyrometallurgical capabilities upgraded for processing low-grade materials from global sources. The Wohlwill electrolytic process is used to achieve 99.99% gold purity, alongside expanded secondary recovery through of low-grade recycled materials to extract additional . These advancements support sustainable by reducing reliance on primary inputs. In 2025, operational efficiency improvements included a 24% reduction in total energy consumption and a 23% decrease in usage compared to prior years. To address the fall in local production, Rand Refinery has diversified its supply chain, sourcing 61% of refined gold from international origins such as the , , and other African regions in 2024. Challenges include managing secure logistics for global exports, mitigated through rigorous compliance with international responsible sourcing protocols.

Products and Services

Bullion and Coins

Rand Refinery is a leading producer of , offering bars that weigh 400 ounces (approximately 12.4 kg) and achieve a minimum purity of 99.5%, making them eligible for international trading on major exchanges. These cast bars are stamped with the refinery's logo, weight, purity, and a unique , ensuring traceability and compliance with (LBMA) standards, for which Rand Refinery has held accreditation since 1923. In addition to these large-format bars, the refinery manufactures 1 kg cast bars at purities ranging from 99.5% to 99.99%, as well as minted bars in smaller denominations from 1 g to 1 kg, typically at 99.9% or higher purity to meet investment-grade specifications for retail and export markets. The refinery also produces silver bullion in both cast and minted forms, including 1 oz minted bars at 99.9% purity suitable for individual investors and smaller-scale trading. Larger 1,000 troy oz silver bars, exceeding 99.9% purity, qualify as Good Delivery products under London Metal Exchange accreditation, facilitating bulk transactions in global commodities markets. These silver products bear the Rand Refinery assay mark, confirming their quality and authenticity for secure storage and resale. Rand Refinery plays a central role in coin production by manufacturing blanks for the , the world's first modern launched in 1967 to promote South African exports, which are then minted by the . The standard 1 oz contains exactly 1 troy ounce of fine alloyed to 22 carat (91.67% pure) for durability, with fractional versions in 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz sizes; a 1 oz silver Krugerrand, struck at 99.9% purity, was introduced in 2018 with unlimited mintage based on demand. Over 60 million ounces of Krugerrands have been produced, establishing them as a staple for investors worldwide. Beyond Krugerrands, the refinery supplies blanks for commemorative coins such as the series in 1 oz at 22 carat fineness and other gold and silver blanks for special editions, all designed for collectible and investment purposes. All and coins from Rand Refinery feature hallmarks including the refinery's elephant logo, serial numbering, and LBMA-compliant certifications, guaranteeing their purity and origin for portfolios and international exports. These products are primarily targeted at institutional buyers, private investors, and global markets, with distribution through authorized dealers to ensure liquidity and trust.

Value-Added and Fabricated Products

Rand Refinery produces a range of semi-fabricated products tailored for the jewelry industry, including wire, sheet, tube, and grain in alloys ranging from 14 to 24 karat, as well as granules that facilitate easier melting and casting processes. These materials are manufactured at the company's Village facility, which serves as a dedicated hub for precious metals fabrication. The grain form of these alloys allows for precise alloying in smaller quantities, supporting artisans and manufacturers in creating bespoke jewelry pieces. In addition to jewelry applications, Rand Refinery fabricates coin blanks as pre-stamped discs in , silver, and , available in certified alloys such as 9ct, 14ct, 18ct, 22ct, and 24ct , as well as 999 purity silver. These blanks are produced by refined metals into strips, rolling them to the required thickness, and punching out custom diameters upon request, supplying global mints including the for commemorative and coins. Since 1967, the refinery has manufactured blanks for the series, demonstrating its expertise in customized minting solutions. The company also creates medallions and awards through custom fabrication processes, often incorporating for corporate events or commemorative purposes, utilizing high-purity (minimum 99.5% fine) to meet and collectible standards. These items are distributed via dealers and are designed for specific client needs, differentiating them from standard products. For industrial uses, Rand Refinery recovers metals (PGMs) as concentrates through its Wet Chemical Refining Plant, which processes solutions to yield high-purity outputs including 99.9% precipitate. Complementing these offerings, the refinery provides services for scrap, including jewelry remnants and industrial by-products, enabling the recovery of to 99.99% purity and silver to 99.998% purity for reuse in fabricated products.

Sustainability and Impact

Environmental Initiatives

Rand Refinery has advanced its through significant investments in renewable sources, achieving 80% solar-powered operations by 2025 via a 4.5 MW on-site solar farm. The company invested R75 million in these solar installations, which have reduced Scope 2 emissions by 8.5 kilotons of CO2 equivalent annually. As part of its decarbonization strategy, Rand Refinery targets usage by 2027, building on a 24% reduction in total from 33 GWh in 2021 to 24.5 GWh in 2024. In managing waste and emissions, Rand Refinery implements closed-loop systems and harvesting techniques, resulting in a 23.4% decrease in water usage to 55,473 kiloliters in 2024 from 72,000 kiloliters in 2021, surpassing interim targets. The refinery maintains a zero-harm policy, with no reportable environmental incidents under South Africa's National Environmental Management Act for 11 consecutive years. It holds ISO 14001:2015 certification for environmental management and has reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions through efficient furnace upgrades and solar integration, alongside efforts to eliminate discharge and halve solid waste volumes by 2027. Rand Refinery adheres strictly to the London Bullion Market Association's (LBMA) Responsible Gold Guidance version 9, achieving 100% compliance in 2024 through annual third-party audits that identified no major non-conformities. The company sources gold exclusively from non-conflict zones and avoids materials from protected areas, as evidenced by its exemption from impacting Lake and support for conservation in regions like the of Congo's Heritage sites. Audits confirm mercury-free processing across operations, aligning with global ethical standards. According to the 2025 Sustainability Report, Rand Refinery's total stood at 35,300 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024, comprising 4,300 tonnes for Scope 1, 23,000 tonnes for Scope 2, and 8,000 tonnes for Scope 3 emissions. rates for by-products include the of pallets and materials, contributing to a targeted 50% reduction in by 2027 from a 60-tonne baseline, with ongoing expansions in programs.

Social Responsibility

Rand Refinery employs approximately 500 people, with initiatives focused on workforce development and equity to support historically individuals in . The company invests over R1 billion annually in salaries and benefits, benefiting around 7,000 lives including employees' families, and maintains a wellness program called "Khula Nathi" that addresses physical, financial, mental, and spiritual well-being across eight dimensions. It has achieved over three and a half years without lost-time injuries as of , alongside offering interest-free solar loans to staff. Diversity efforts include 29% female representation in leadership roles and targeted training for people with disabilities. Through the Jewellery Village, part of the Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project, Rand Refinery provides skills development programs that train dozens of young artisans annually in and , with over 109 learners completing learnerships from NQF Level 2 to 4 since 2020. These initiatives emphasize and local talent, including mentorship programs that have graduated 42 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) since 2022, offering financial support, coaching, and . The refinery supports community engagement in Germiston and surrounding areas, including school renovations, donations of STEM resources, and R8.4 million in bursaries for 95 students in 2025. It has invested R3 million in the Mercy Haven gender-based violence (GBV) safe house in and established a GBV safe room at the Police Station to aid survivors. Contributions extend to mining-affected communities in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, , , and , focusing on education, healthcare, and small enterprise development. Ethical practices at Rand Refinery include strict anti-corruption policies outlined in its Code of Ethics, alongside 100% compliance with the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Responsible Gold Guidance and adherence to guidelines, UN , and King IV governance principles. The company promotes diversity and inclusion through targeted programs and uses blockchain technology via its Bullion Integrity Ledger™ to ensure transparency, publishing over 1,700 provenance records by April 2025. In its 2025 Sustainability Report, Rand Refinery detailed over R43 million in social investments for , skills development, and , surpassing R10 million and reflecting partnerships with organizations like the and the National Quinary Jewellery Sector for in . These efforts align with governance oversight to advance ethical and inclusive operations.

References

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