Refiners & Metal Traders

Our experts are ready to help you find the perfect solution whether it’s hallmarking, analytical testing or valuations,

Independent analysis, assurance, and expertise for precious metal trading and refining

Refiners and metal traders operate in a highly regulated, high‑value environment where accuracy, integrity, and trust are essential. From verifying metal content to supporting fair trading and regulatory compliance, independent technical assurance plays a critical role in protecting value and maintaining confidence across the supply chain.

For over 250 years, Birmingham Assay Office has been a trusted authority in precious metals analysis, hallmarking, and independent verification. Today, we support refiners, bullion dealers, metal traders, and recyclers with accurate, impartial testing and expert services designed to support trading, compliance, and market integrity.

Your challenges...

Refiners and metal traders face increasing pressure to:

  • Accurately determine precious metal content and fineness
  • Verify material from diverse and variable sources
  • Support fair valuation and settlement in high‑value transactions
  • Demonstrate compliance with regulatory and industry standards
  • Manage risk associated with misdescription or contamination
  • Maintain confidence with counterparties, auditors, and regulators
  • Protect reputation in a market where trust is critical

Independent verification is essential to managing both financial and reputational risk.

How Birmingham Assay Office supports you...

Precious Metal Analysis & Assaying

  • Independent determination of precious metal content and fineness
  • Analysis of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and alloys
  • Support for material verification prior to refining or trade settlement

Providing confidence in composition and value.

 

Independent Verification & Market Assurance

  • Third‑party testing to support fair trading and transparency
  • Impartial reporting trusted across the industry
  • Support for dispute resolution and transaction confidence

Helping protect both buyer and seller interests.

 

Expert Advice & Technical Insight

  • Access to experienced specialists in precious metals
  • Guidance on complex or unusual materials
  • Independent technical opinion where required

Supporting informed commercial decision‑making.

Get in Touch

If you are a refiner, bullion dealer, recycler, or metal trader, Birmingham Assay Office can support you with independent precious metal analysis, verification, and expert assurance to protect value and support trusted trading.

to discuss services for refiners and metal traders.

Why choose Birmingham Assay Office?

  • Heritage Authority – Over 250 years of trusted precious metal expertise
  • Independent & Impartial – No commercial interest in trading or refining
  • Technical Excellence – Accurate analysis and expert interpretation
  • Market‑Focused – Deep understanding of refining and trading environments
  • Case Study

    Independent Verification for a Precious Metal Trader

    Click through to find out more

  • The Challenge

    A UK‑based precious metal trader required independent verification of mixed‑source gold material prior to settlement. Variability in feedstock created uncertainty around fineness and value, increasing commercial risk.

  • Our Approach

    1 - Conducted independent analysis to determine precious metal content

    2 - Verified fineness and identified non‑conforming material

    3 - Issued clear, impartial reports to support fair settlement

  • The Results

    1 - Increased confidence in transaction pricing

    2 - Reduced risk of dispute between counterparties

    3 - Strengthened governance and audit records

Birmingham Assay Office’s independent analysis gave us confidence in both the material and the transaction. Their authority and impartiality are invaluable in the precious metals market.

Representative from 

Global Jewellery Retailer

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Birmingham Assay office

0121 820 0773

Address

1 Moreton St, Birmingham, B1 3AX