Gold Doré

Doré is produced when recovered gold-bearing material is melted and cast into bar form before full refining. It carries a variable metal composition, so its gold content cannot be assumed from appearance, colour, weight or a seller's description.

Because composition varies between lots and even within a single bar, doré is normally handled on the basis of a representative sample taken under controlled conditions, with the assay of that sample forming the reference point for the parties.

Any gold content figure associated with a doré lot should be treated as a declared specification until it has been tested. The declared figure informs planning; the assay result informs the transaction.

Fineness is reported in parts per thousand and derived from a documented method. Where a karat figure is quoted for convenience, it is a conversion of an assay result, not a substitute for one.

Gross weight, sample weight and, where determined, fine weight are recorded separately. Moisture, surface contamination and slag inclusions can affect gross weight, which is why weighing procedures and the equipment used are recorded alongside the figures.

Weight records are tied to a lot identifier so that a later document can be matched back to the specific material it describes.

Doré is intended for onward refining. The refining route, facility and expected outturn are matters for discussion before material moves, because they affect timing, documentation and the specification of the finished material.

Movement is planned around destination requirements, export and import documentation, secure handling, insurance arrangements and chain-of-custody records, and is assessed transaction by transaction rather than assumed.

Enquiries should state the intended destination, the processing or refining arrangement envisaged, the verification method preferred and the documentation required. Availability and final specifications are transaction-specific and subject to verification.