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Analytical services

We offer a world-class assay service, built on integrity and precision.

We have a passion for precision

The Perth Mint meets the technical requirements of the London Bullion Market Association for assay capability.

Advanced technology ensures fast, accurate results

With one of the most advanced and best equipped precious metals assay laboratories in the southern hemisphere, our team work to guarantee assay accuracy.

Refinery Assaying services media

Get in touch

Our dedication and commitment to being your reliable refining partner is at the core of our business. For further information on our refinery services, contact us.

The Perth Mint Refinery Assaying Services
Available Monday - Friday: 8.30am–5pm AWST

Why is the assay process so important for producers?

By choosing a refiner equipped with a technologically advanced assay laboratory, you will have assured levels of metal purity and accuracy, competitive fees and a quicker turnaround. To ensure assay accuracy we look at: 

1. Methods for precision

Accuracy in gold analysis should be within 0.015% when tested by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), the world’s premier regulatory body. At The Perth Mint, you can be sure we achieve this number.

2. Experience

When it comes to assay accuracy, people matter. We make sure our chemists and assayers are rigorously trained in this type of analysis as it means all the difference in maximising your return.

3. Accreditation

Our refinery meets the requirements of five global gold exchanges and are regularly audited by the LBMA. 

Guaranteed accuracy

Our accuracy in gold analysis has been tested to be within 0.001% for gold by the LBMA, the world’s premier regulatory body. Compliant with Australian Standards, our assay process has been perfected over many years, offering you complete trust in our guarantee of assay integrity. 

Refinery Assaying Guaranteed accuracy

Assay methods

Using some of the most advanced techniques available, we can guarantee assay integrity.

Assay method1
Immersion dip sampling

The technique to extract representative samples from well-mixed metal prior to analysis.

Assay method2
XRF screening technique

A preliminary screening technique to determine the gold, silver and base metal content.

Assay method1
Bullion fire assay

The method used to separate precious metals from base metals.

Assay method4
Spark emission technology

A technique to determine impurities and measure purity of refined gold and silver.

Assay method5
Inductively coupled plasma

ICP is a solution analysis technique to determine elemental impurities in samples.

Fee schedule

Our fee schedule represents the standard charges for the analyses most frequently requested. However, we are not limited to this list, so please contact us as special rates may be negotiated for samples in large numbers or on regular consignment.

Fire assay of bullion

Category
Mine check assays
Umpire analysis
Category
Gold and silver
Mine check assays
AUD 180
Umpire analysis
AUD 250
Category
Gold only
Mine check assays
AUD 150
Umpire analysis
AUD 180
Category
Silver only
Mine check assays
AUD 150
Umpire analysis
AUD 180
Category

Sweep material

Mine check assays
Umpire analysis
AUD 500

Instrumental analysis

Cost

Instrumental analysis

ICP base metal scan

Cost
AUD 150

Instrumental analysis

High purity gold (99.99%)

Cost
AUD 250

Instrumental analysis

Fine silver (99.9%)

Cost
AUD 250

Instrumental analysis

High purity platinum (99.95%)

Cost
AUD 250

Instrumental analysis

Platinum (Lemel and Doré)

Cost
AUD 200

Instrumental analysis

Palladium (lemel and doré)

Cost
AUD 200

Instrumental analysis

Platinum and palladium (lemel and doré)

Cost
AUD 250