Ever wondered where the gold in your engagement ring, necklace or investment bar really came from? Not just the country — but the actual mine?
Imagine the journey of gold in an engagement ring – from a remote mine, to a high-security refinery, to a jeweler’s shop, and finally onto someone’s finger. Each step adds value and meaning, but how can we be sure of the gold’s story before it becomes that cherished ring?
A freshly refined gold doré bar, straight from ABC Refinery’s facility in Sydney.
Liquid gold in motion. As gold is melted and refined, its chemical fingerprint remains intact — allowing its mine source to be identified through trace element analysis.
Forensic Science in the Gold Supply Chain
In an industry-first move aimed at answering that question, Sydney-based ABC Refinery (part of the Pallion precious metals group) is rolling out advanced technology to forensically verify the origin of all gold it processes.
Finished ABC Bullion gold bars on display. With traceability now built into the process, each bar carries a verified backstory from mine to market.
This new approach means every gold doré bar or scrap entering ABC’s refinery can be traced back to its exact mine source with scientific certainty, raising the bar for transparency in the gold supply chain.
To achieve this level of traceability, ABC Refinery has partnered with Australian scientific firm Source Certain, which specialises in origin verification through trace element analysis.
These finished bars are cast, polished, and precision-stamped — the final step in a long and complex journey.
In simple terms, trace element analysis looks at the subtle chemical “fingerprints” in gold that are unique to the geology of each mining site. By comparing these microscopic trace elements in a gold sample to a database of known mine signatures, experts can confirm if the gold truly comes from its claimed source.
Over the past several months, Source Certain’s scientists worked closely with ABC Refinery to build a forensic reference dataset for all the mines supplying gold to the refinery. This means they collected and analysed samples from each source mine and catalogued their elemental profile.
ABC Bullion buyers can access detailed product information online — including verified origin data thanks to new forensic tech.
With this reference in hand, ABC can now scientifically validate the declared origin of every incoming gold batch. If a discrepancy arises – for instance, if gold is misrepresented or mixed from an unapproved source – the forensic analysis will flag it. This level of assurance goes well beyond a paper trail, effectively safeguarding against supply chain fraud or accidental mislabeling.
Notably, Source Certain’s origin verification technology is proven across industries. For nearly 20 years, it has been applied in sectors like agriculture, seafood, and mining to authenticate product provenance. Bringing this forensic science into gold refining is a natural extension, one poised to enhance trust in the precious metals sector.
“Provenance matters – to our partners, our customers, and to global markets,” said Andrew Cochineas, CEO of Pallion.
“Source Certain’s science-backed technology reinforces confidence in ABC Bullion gold by ensuring its origin can be independently verified.” By leveraging a tested scientific method, ABC Refinery is effectively giving each gold bar a verified birth certificate.
This move strengthens ABC’s position as a leader in responsible sourcing. It also builds on the company’s status as an independent Australian refinery accredited under the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Good Delivery and Responsible Sourcing Program — a gold standard for refineries around the world.
“As a long-standing LBMA-accredited refinery, ABC is held to some of the world’s highest sourcing and quality standards,” Cochineas added. “Now, we’re going one step further – offering forensic proof of origin to support transparent trade and responsible refining practices.”
Raising the Bar for Transparency
This kind of forensic traceability is more than just a technical achievement. It reflects the growing demand for transparency in every corner of the global economy. Whether you’re buying a block of chocolate, a pair of shoes or a gold bar, people increasingly want to know: was this made fairly, safely and responsibly?
For ABC Refinery, the answer is yes — and now they have the scientific data to back it up.
It’s a move that could shape future expectations across the industry, not just in Australia but globally. And for everyday Australians, it’s a reminder that the value of gold isn’t just in its shine or its price per ounce — it’s in the story it carries. And now, thanks to the fusion of science and refining, that story can be told in full.