Swiss Gold Refineries Operating at Peak Capacity
Tucked Away in the Heart of Mendrisio
Switzerland, the land of secret bank accounts, doesn't disappoint in Mendrisio, a bustling industrial and commercial zone. Situated strategically between the enchanting lakes of Lugano and Como, the area thrives on its proximity to Italy, providing an 80% workforce. Amid the sea of outlet stores, home improvement giants, and aromatic coffee roasters, there's a more subtle player - Argor-Heraeus. A subsidiary of the German technology powerhouse Heraeus, this company specializes in precious and special metals, with a knack for gold. Hidden from public view by a 4-meter-high concrete wall topped with barbed wire, the complex resembles a fortress, with a single entrance reminiscent of a prison.
Gold's Dual Life - Haven and Political Weapon
It's no ordinary retail gold you'll find here. "We boast a refining capacity of 1,380 tonnes of gold per year, almost 4 tonnes daily, although we don't always run at full capacity," humbly admits Robin Kolvenbach, co-general director of the company. Regrettably, he remains tight-lipped about the gold's worth and quantity passing through the fortress walls.
An Unassuming Powerhouse
Argor-Heraeus is more than meets the eye. This Switzerland-based precious metals refiner is revered for its high-quality gold products and industrial specialization. The company's operations focus on refining and producing gold bars for the global market, catering to both industrial clients and investors. With a commitment to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2033, the company emphasizes renewable energy adoption and reducing carbon footprints, aligning itself with sustainability goals.
Their product range includes LBMA-certified bars, from 1g bars to 100g bars, and even 1oz Kinebars, adorned with patented security features to deter counterfeiting. Argor-Heraeus serves the watchmaking industry by recasting gold into specific weights and forms for precision components. By blending industrial prowess with investment-grade refining, Argor-Heraeus cements its position as a critical player in both commercial and financial precious metal markets.
[3] London Bullion Market Association[4] Kinebar®, Argor-Heraeus' patented security feature for gold bars[5] Argor-Heraeus Sustainability Strategy
- Argor-Heraeus, the subsidiary of Heraeus based in Mendrisio, Switzerland, boasts a refining capacity of 1,380 tonnes of gold per year, making it a significant player in the global precious metals industry.
- Robin Kolvenbach, co-general director of Argor-Heraeus, acknowledges the company's substantial gold production of nearly 4 tonnes daily, although he remains cautious about discussing specific quantities and values.
- Beyond its industrial operations, Argor-Heraeus is committed to sustainability, aiming to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2033 through renewable energy adoption and carbon footprint reduction.
- Argor-Heraeus' product line includes LBMA-certified gold bars, ranging from 1g to 100g, as well as 1oz Kinebars, which are adorned with the company's patented security feature, Kinebar®, to deter counterfeiting.
