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Metalor Refinery

metalor refinery

The Metalor Refinery was formerly called the Metaux Precieux SA Metalor. It is a Swiss-based mint that was founded in 1852. On July 12, 2016, Tanaka Kikinzoku K.K. Tokyo, Japan announced that it would acquire 100% of the majority shares in Metalor Technologies International SA. 

 

Metalor Technologies SA is a famous gold refiner and manufacturer. Its headquarters are in Neuchatel, 150 km from Zurich. The town is located overlooking Lake Neuchatel. Metalor Refinery plants are where most of the casting and refining of bars and other precious metal products is done.

 

The company runs four gold refineries in four different countries. The refineries include:

 

  • Metalor Technologies Corporation, USA
  • Hong Kong Metalor Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
  • China Metalor Technologies (Suzhou) Limited
  • Singapore Metalor Technologies Singapore Pvt Ltd

 

Metalor Technologies SA is a privately owned company by the French Private Equity Astorg Partners. The Metalor Group has been lauded for being the only precious metals company to operate major refineries across three continents including Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

 

The mint has received several accreditations from different bullion markets across the globe. The accreditation includes:

 

  • The 1934 London Bullion Market Association (LBMA)
  • The 1974 CME Group-Market Contract: COMEX
  • The 2007 Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM)

 

The mint is also responsible for producing London Good Delivery silver, platinum, and palladium bars. Metalor Technologies SA was accredited by the Responsible Jewelry Council in 2003. The LBMA in 2004 recognized Metalor Technologies SA among the five Referees for the London Good Delivery system. Metalor technologies were named a referee for the London Platinum & Palladium market in 2011.

 

It was initially founded as a watch case and gold producer called Martin, de Pury & Cie in 1852. The Swiss Bank Corporation took over the company in 1918. In 1936, Metaux Precieux SA was officially created.

 

Later, the headquarters of Metalor Group was moved from Le Locle (now Neuchatel) in 1947. There was a precious-metal refinery plant. In 1978, Metaux Precieux SA Metalor was given the company’s new name. In 1998, the Swiss Bank Corporation was merged into the Union Bank of Switzerland. This merger transferred majority shares to an industrial investor group. Later, the company’s name was changed to Metalor Technologies SA (2001).

 

The Metalor Group is a North Attleboro-based refiner of gold that has been in operation since 1989. The company has been producing gold in Hong Kong and China (Suzhou) since 1982. It has also made gold in Singapore since 2013. Metalor Refinery purchased Johnson Matthey Hong Kong, a gold and silver refining plant.

 

Metalor Group has 17 subsidiaries. In 2012, the Metalor Group’s business divisions were reorganized into three main branches. They include electronics, advanced coatings, refining, and other business branches. They include:

 

  • Europe: Switzerland, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, UK.
  • Americas: USA, Canada, Mexico, Peru.
  • Far East: China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand.

 

Metalor Gold Bars

 

The Metalor refinery produces six cast bars and four minted bars. The 400 Oz, 1,000 g cast bars are 500 g, 250 g, 100 grams and 10 tolas. There are also 100 g bars, 50 g bars, 20 g bars, and 1 Oz bar. After Le Locle’s acquisition in 1918, the Swiss Bank Corporation purchased the Metalor refinery and produced the first gold bars.

 

1934 was the first year that the London Good Delivery 400 Oz bars were issued by The Metalor Mint. These bars were the first to be recognized by the London Gold Market. From 1934 to 1954, the Metalor gold bars were manufactured under Societe de Banque Suisse. From 1954, bars bearing a Metalor stamp were available.

 

Investors were most fond of the “kilobars,” a 100-gram bar weighing around 100 grams, before 1934. The bars’ dimensions were altered in 1965. In 1965, 5 smaller cast bars were introduced by the company. These included 500g, 250g, 100g, 50g, 10 Oz, and 10 tolas.

Metalor Refinery Products

The Reasons Tanaka Acquired Metalor Refinery

 

Tanaka develops and sells products made of precious metals. These products serve as critical components in many industries. For example, they make automobiles, communicative devices, and house appliances. Also, precious metals can be used to make semiconductors. The company also can refine and recover precious metals from various industrial scraps.

 

Metalor Refinery is a Swiss company with global distribution and a diverse portfolio. The company is focused on the recovery and refining of precious metals at high purity levels. 

 

Like Tanaka, the company has three main business lines: manufacturing electrical contacts, recovery and refining, and plating solutions. Most precious metal bullion is sourced from North America and Europe.

 

Metalor enjoys a great reputation, especially in Europe. The company is well-known for developing proprietary technologies to make silver alloys electrical contacts. Metalor manufactures and sells plating products made from precious metals and the appropriate plating equipment. The plating solution provided by the company is considered one of the most advanced in Europe.

 

Tanaka Kikinzoku K.K. has not yet ventured into this market. Metalor by Tanaka was purchased to allow the company to expand its capabilities to recover and refine precious metallics in new locations throughout North America, Asia, Europe, and Europe. However, the company has yet to establish a strong customer base in these areas. Tanaka bought Metalor to increase sales for its products.

 

The acquisition resulted in the perfect combination of both companies’ operations in surface treatment and electric contacts. Both companies have vast experience in their respective areas. Tanaka aims to meet the needs of all its customers. The company intends to expand its international footprint, particularly in North America and Europe.

 

Since 1885 when the company was founded in Japan, the Tanaka Group has developed a diverse range of precious metal products. On April 1, 2010, the group’s Tanaka Precious Metals company became majority-owned. This move was intended to improve corporate governance and overall customer service. The company was able to achieve dynamic execution of its operations.

 

With the high volume of traded precious metals, Tanaka is a major player in Japan’s bullion market. This group has been around for more than 130 years and has continued to supply precious metals and related products. The group’s core business is in refining precious metals. It plans to improve people’s lives in the future.

 

Metalor Group is a multi-faceted industrial entity specializing in processing precious metals in 17 different countries. The company employs over 1,500 people. Metalor CEO Michael Tanaka stated that Tanaka Group was the best shareholder for Metalor.

 

Tanaka is in the Ginza district, which has some of the highest land values in Japan. It is a popular destination for tourists from all around the world and local Japanese. The Tanaka headquarters has a store that stocks platinum and sparkling gold jewelry. Tanaka also has businesses that produce industrial appliances and jewelry in Japan.

 

Tanaka America is the strategic base. The company’s main role is to extract precious metals and recycle e-waste. For more than 50 years, the company has been active in the urban mining industry. The company has four North American branches.

 

The scrap that the company recycles is from old computers, cars, and smartphones. Tanaka mint uses technology to refine various precious metals such as gold and platinum. The company makes the metal pure. Metalor mints and Tanaka have been combined to bring together two companies with extensive experience and expertise in refining precious metallics.

 

Tanaka’s current focus is on traceable precious metallics. Traceable precious stones have legal resources that can easily be identified. Contrary to popular belief, conflict precious metal refers to illegal special metallics mined from conflict zones. These minerals are frequently used to finance rebels and terrorist organizations that control the minerals in war zones.

 

Gold is highly sought after and has a high market price. This makes gold a favorite among illegal dealers, who use the funds for criminal activity. Tanaka mint does not trade in traceable precious Metals. This is because they believe that trading in conflict-free precious Metals brings value to all those involved in the distribution process.

 

Most of the earth’s gold can be found underground, hundreds of thousands of kilometers. This makes it difficult to mine such precious metal. Many countries, including Japan, are short on mineral resources. Recycling and refining precious metals to high purity are the best way to reduce mining costs. This is one way that precious metal products can be acquired on the market.

 

Japan’s demand for precious metals has prompted it to develop advanced recovery and refining technology. There is expected to be an increase in demand for viable precious materials. 

 

High-precision radars are one of the main reasons for this increase in demand. These radars are a key component in automating vehicles with IoT technology. It was estimated that by 2020 there will be more than 30 billion IoT devices.

 

Experts agree that urban mining or recycling precious metals is a growing trend. However, experts warn that scrap recovery is more difficult due to technological advancements. Tanaka mint sees the challenge as an opportunity to explore recycling and refining.

 

Six different companies are under the control of the Tanaka precious materials group. They include Metalor silver products and gold companies. This subsidiary specializes in producing silver and gold products that are commonly used for automotive materials. The second subsidiary is a chemical processing company that specializes in the production of fuel cell catalysts.

 

The rest of the businesses are in recycling. Tanaka Precious Metal Group is one of few companies that can participate in the extraction and refining of precious metals and material development.

Tanaka is a leader in the material recovery industry. The company can develop new recovery methods before next-generation materials can be produced.

 

Gold Services and Products from the Metalor Refinery

 

The Metalor Refinery focuses on offering four main gold services and products, which include:

 

  • Refining and recycling gold scrap
  • Manufacturing gold products for the jewelry industry
  • Producing gold products for the electronics and decorative industries
  • Minting gold bars.

 

Metalor Gold Refining and Recycling Of Scrap

 

In most cases, the company accepts gold products and materials in the following conditions:

 

  • Semi-refined bullion
  • My Dore is mostly gold
  • My Dore is mostly silver
  • Loaded carbon
  • Old jewelry
  • Manufacturing jewelry from scrap
  • Electronic scrap
  • Dental scrap
  • Old coins and medals
  • Chemical solutions

 

The company uses electrolysis and chemical chlorination (aqua regia), as well as other methods of refining gold. Globally, the company has a gold refining capacity that exceeds 650 tons annually.

Organization Structure of Metalor Refinery

 

Metalor Precious Metal Group operates three divisions. These include electronics, refining, and advanced coat. 

 

The electrical section uses precious metals to make different electronic devices. 

 

Advanced coating furnishes electroplating equipment and solutions for alloy manufacturing. These alloys are used for manufacturing luxury watches and jewelry.

 

The refinery division produces precious metals out of industrial scrap and mining output. Metalor has several refineries in various countries, including the US, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Metalor gold is refined in Singapore since 2013.

Metalor is regarded as one of the best precious metals refineries in the world and follows a strict standard process to ensure quality and pure bullion products.

Metalor and other precious metal refineries like PAMP Suisse, Credit Suisse, South African Mint, and the like are all reputable refineries. 

Metalor Refinery is a popular and reputable precious metal refinery producing high quality .9999 purity using Metalor Technologies. 

References and Links

 
[1]Wikipedia, “Métaux Précieux SA Métalor,” 11 April 2020. [Online]. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A9taux_Pr%C3%A9cieux_SA_M%C3%A9talor. [Accessed 18 June 2021].
[2]Metalor Refining Group, “Gold Bars Worldwide,” 2014. [Online]. Available: https://www.goldbarsworldwide.com/PDF/RB_5_MetalorGoldBars.pdf. [Accessed 18 June 2021].
[3]Tanaka Holdings Co., Ltd, “Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K. Acquires the Shares of Metalor Technologies International SA, Making it a Wholly Owned Subsidiary,” 12 July 2016. [Online]. Available: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/31093/tanaka-kikinzoku-kogyo-k.k.-acquires-the-shares-of-metalor-technologies-international-sa,-making-it-a-wholly-owned-subsidiary. [Accessed 18 June 2021].
[4]Business Insider, “This is how a 100-year-old precious metals company is changing recycling,” 2 Jul 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.businessinsider.com/sc/tanaka-precious-metals-is-changing-recycling-2018-7?r=US&IR=T. [Accessed 18 June 2021].
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Terms & Conditions

Trading in gold and other precious metals is risky because the market is volatile. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. This is why we encourage you to read Our Terms and Conditions carefully before making purchases, selling, or placing orders with BULLIONTRADING LLC. Refer to Safety Tips from the CFTC (Commodity Future Trading Commission). These terms and conditions apply to all orders, all purchases, and all sales made through our website, telephone, or other channels.

In the event you do not fully understand the terms of this agreement, BULLIONTRADING LLC strongly encourages you to consult with your own experts. BULLION TRADING enters into transactions with customers on the reliance and belief that clients are aware of, understand, and agree to these terms.

These terms and conditions are effective as of March 11, 2022, and are binding to all new and existing customers and users.

PURCHASES, SALES, AND ORDERS

The prices for gold, silver, platinum and palladium coins and bars keep on fluctuating because of the risk factors that cause price volatility. The risk factors include political development, war, pandemics, demand, and supply. It is important to keep this in mind when transacting with BULLIONTRADING LLC.

The Ordering Process

BULLIONTRADING LLC. Does Not speculate on the prices of precious metals. This means that we don’t make profits by buying gold when the prices are low and selling when prices go up. BULLIONTRADING LLC generates revenue through premium spreads. This is the difference between what Bullion Trading LLC pays & sells these items for.

Orders and inquiries can be made through our website, phone, or other suitable channels. Contact Us for information.

Inquiries

Inquiries are made by customers who are not ready to transact immediately. Customers can contact us or go online at Bulliontradingllc.com to get current market prices. The price quote and quantity available are subject to change. They can also contact us for guidance on buying and selling bullion coins and bars. You should note that the Price Quotations you receive when inquiring are Estimates because the prices of bullion coins and bars fluctuate daily, and the number of our stock changes all the time.

For example, The U.S Mint sets premium and minimum prices for American Eagles. Prices for American Eagles are determined by the current price of gold, silver, platinum, or palladium. The mint also charges a modest premium to cater to the cost of distribution and marketing. Consequently, the price of bullion coins and bars changes daily as the markets for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium fluctuates. Refer to the United States Mint’s Charges for Authorized Dealers.

ORDERS

Orders are made when customers are ready to transact immediately. The prices you get when ordering bullion coins and bars from us are an accurate reflection of the current market prices. Note that once you place an order, the prices are locked and are no longer subject to market conditions.

An order is placed when you finalized negotiations with our agents and an invoice is generated, not when the payment is made. Ordering and then bailing out or canceling after an invoice is generated makes BULLIONTRADING LLC incur losses. We incur losses because when you place an order, we consider the bullion coin or bar sold and will have hedged ourselves accordingly.

Disclaimer: To protect our company from losses, BULLIONTRADING LLC has implemented a Market Loss Policy.

Market Loss Policy Explained

An order starts when you finalize the deal with our agents, not when the payment is made. We generate an invoice immediately the deal is sealed either through our website or phone. We also count the bullion coin or bar as sold and will have hedged ourselves accordingly.

Customers who place orders, have invoices generated, and then cancel thereafter make us incur losses. To protect ourselves we have implemented a market loss policy. This means that you will incur penalties for ordering, having an invoice generated, and then bailing out. Once an order is placed, prices are locked and not subject to market conditions.

The moment you place an order an invoice is generated. If you cancel, and then gold prices decline you make us incur a loss. It is your responsibility to offset this loss if your order is canceled and your funds are returned. If this happens you will pay for the loss caused by a decline in the price of gold after a sale is made plus a cancellation fee of $35.00. This is our market loss policy.

To remain transparent and protect ourselves from risk we might require credit card information from every customer even if payment will be received through a different channel. We also will ask for immediate confirmation of the amount locked in. This gives us an avenue to compensate ourselves for losses in the event a customer places an order and then fails to pay.

However, if the price of bullion coins and bars stays the same, we usually don’t enforce our market loss policy because we don’t incur losses. If the price goes down we charge a market loss fee which is equal to the amount BULLIONTRADING LLC would have lost because of the unpaid order.

PAYMENTS

Bullion Trading LLC only accepts payments in the form of bank transfers, certified checks or personal checks. The method you use to pay us is determined by the number of bullion coins and bars you are willing to buy from us as follows:

  • Orders ranging from $1,000 to $5,500 should be paid via any option listed above and must be received within 2 business days from the time the order was made.
  • Orders ranging from $5,500.01 to $10,000 should be paid by bank wire, certified check, cashier’s check, money orders, or personal check, and must be received within 2 business days from the time the order was made.
  • Orders ranging from $10,000.01 to $25,000 should be paid by bank wire, certified check, and must be received within 2 business days from the time the order was placed.
  • Over $25,000.01 should be paid by bank wire and must be received within 1 business day from the time the order was placed.

If Using A Credit Card You Are Agreeing To The Following Terms:

  • I understand and agree that should I dispute the credit card charge through my credit card provider, I will have breached the contract as well as committed a credit card fraud.
  • I waive any charge-back rights. In the event of a dispute, and I request for a refund it must be made through the Bullion Trading LLC Arbitration Procedure described herein under Bullion Trading LLC.
  • Dispute resolution: I understand that all sales are final. There are NO EXCHANGES or REFUNDS.
  • I cannot receive a refund from Bullion Trading LLC, nor can I request the funds from my credit card company.
  • I also agree to waive any charge-back rights in the event of a dispute.

CONSENT

You agree that you have sufficient experience and knowledge to make informed decisions to purchase from and/or sell to BULLION TRADING LLC. You openly acknowledge that you are making all of your decisions in connection with purchases and/or sales. BULLION TRADING LLC is not making any decision on your behalf concerning purchases and sales.

You also openly acknowledge that you are subject to a variety of risks that are beyond the control of BULLION TRADING LLC. You openly acknowledge that BULLION TRADING LLC is not liable or responsible for the risks you incur while trading with us. Those risks include, without limitation, risks associated with the price volatility of bullion coins and bars. Market conditions or other disruptions such as technical problems may make it impossible for you to liquidate bullion coins and bars bought from us. You have the freedom to liquid the coins and bars at market prices acceptable to you.

RISKS

All investments involve risk – bullion coins and bars are no exception. The value of bullion coins (e.g., American Eagles or Maple Leafs) is affected by many economic factors. The current market price of bullion coins and bars is determined by perceived scarcity and other factors. Some of these factors include quality, current demand, and general market sentiment.

The price of bullion coins and bars keeps on fluctuating and this means that they are not a suitable investment for everyone. Since all investments, including bullion coins and bars, can decline in value, you should make an informed decision. It is a good idea to have adequate cash reserves and disposable income before investing in bullion coins and bars.

INDEMNIFICATION

You shall indemnify and absolve BULLION TRADING LLC and its affiliates, directors, officers, and shareholders collectively. You agree to compensate the indemnified parties for and against any costs, damages, expenses, liabilities, and obligations. They include without limitation to reasonable attorney fees that the Indemnified Parties may incur as a result of, or in connection with:

(a) Any breach of any representation or warranty made by you to BULLION TRADING LLC or,

(b) Failure to comply with these terms and conditions or the policies adopted by BULLION TRADING LLC.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

You acknowledge that you are subject to the limitations of liability contained in these terms and conditions, the disclaimer, and other policies adopted by BULLION TRADING LLC.

If you suffer indirect, punitive, or speculative damages BULLION TRADING LLC is not liable to you. Any transaction between us and you pursuant to these terms and conditions, and any liability of BULLION TRADING LLC to you shall be limited to:

(a) The amount, if any, that you paid in such transaction or,

(b) $100 compensation. We are not, in any event, liable for any indirect, punitive, or speculative damages.

PRIVACY POLICY

BULLION TRADING LLC has adopted a Privacy Policy that is included in these terms and conditions. Our privacy policy protects your identity and credit card information.

BULLION TRADING LLC privacy policies are found in the Disclaimer, Ordering Policy, and the protection of credit card information. These terms and conditions may be updated from time to time depending on the market forces and the legal landscape.

DEFAULT RIGHTS AND REMEDIES

Upon any failure by you to comply with your obligations to BULLION TRADING LLC, the company shall pursue the rights and the remedies available to us. Either by law, through equity, or otherwise. It includes without limitation rights and remedies under these terms and conditions.

Breaching our rights may make BULLION TRADING LLC turn your account over to a collection agency, or a lawyer for collection. BULLION TRADING LLC will not fail in exercising any rights or pursuing any remedies in the case we suffer losses or damages.

Note: Failure by you to comply with these terms and conditions, may make BULLION TRADING LLC charge the credit card on which you have provided. This includes without limitation any and all market losses incurred by BULLION TRADING LLC, including cancellation fees, for ordering and then canceling at the last minute. You openly authorize BULLION TRADING LLC to charge your credit card for all losses caused by you violating our ordering policy.

RELATIONSHIPS

BULLION TRADING LLC is an authorized dealer and a professional organization. We maintain a professional relationship with all our clients. We don’t enter into relationships such as agent-principal relationships, employee-employer relationships, franchisee-franchisor relationships, joint venture relationships, and partnership relationships with our clients.

ANNULMENT

You cannot forfeit these terms and conditions, your rights, or your obligations as they apply without the prior written consent from BULLION TRADING LLC. You may be granted permission to forfeit your rights or it may be withheld by BULLION TRADING LLC at its sole discretion. These terms and conditions shall be binding to all parties that trade with BULLION TRADING LLC.

COSTS AND EXPENSES FOR COLLECTION

If you violate these terms and conditions BULLION TRADING LLC will take action against you. It may include without limitation, turning your account over to a collection agency, or a lawyer for collection. You shall pay all of the costs and the expenses incurred by BULLION TRADING LLC, including without limitation to reasonable attorney’s fees.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

BULLION TRADING LLC maintains professional relationships with clients. This is why we make sure that any grievances are resolved expeditiously. We agree that all disagreements and disputes with our clients should be resolved in accordance with the provisions below.

Because we value the relationship with our clients, we opt for arbitration or mediation as a channel for dispute resolution instead of going straight to state/federal courts. However, if arbitration or mediation fails, we may be forced to take legal action in state/federal courts in the State of New York.

GOVERNING LAW

These terms and conditions are governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. These terms and conditions do not take into consideration the possible violation of laws in other jurisdictions.

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL: ARBITRATION

BOTH BULLION TRADING LLC AND YOU HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY DISAGREEMENT OR DISPUTE RESULTING FROM, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS; OR THE TRANSACTIONS UNDER THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Both BULLION TRADING LLC and you also waive any arbitration requirements to which they might be subject.

FORCE MAJEURE

If BULLION TRADING LLC cannot perform any obligation hereunder as a result of any event that is beyond its control, the company shall be excused and shall not be liable for any damages as a result of, or in connection with, such delays, or such failures.

FURTHER ASSURANCES

You shall sign and avail other documents, or take actions that assist BULLION TRADING LLC in enforcing the provisions of these terms and conditions.

NOTICES

Except as provided in these terms and conditions, all notices, and other communications to BULLION TRADING LLC shall be directed to it at 20 West 47th Street Lower Level #24, New York, NY 10036. All notices and other communications to you shall be sent by BULLION TRADING LLC, to the address that you provided to us at the time of your registration, or to the email address that you provided to us at the time of your registration.

RECORDING OF PHONE CONVERSATIONS

BULLION TRADING LLC may record phone conversations between you and company agents or representatives. You consent to the recording of such phone conversations.

ABSENCE OF WAIVERS

A decision or a failure by BULLION TRADING LLC to take action with respect to any non-compliance with these terms and conditions does not affect the ability of the company to enforce the terms and conditions with respect to other violations. Whether the violations are similar or dissimilar in nature.