Today we’ll try to answer some sectoral interesting questions: How can a mint/refinery get LBMA accreditation? What weight does it carry? What does it even mean? How is accreditation different from LBMA membership? Is it applicable into smaller products? And should mints/refiners without such are to be treated.... Different?
On 24th October 2023 precious metals analyst – Mr Ronan Manly – noticed that Chinese banks directly participating in LBMA Gold Price Auctions have disappeared of the list. This has not been commented in any way by LBMA and related authorities and for now reminds under shroud of mystery. As for now, this didn’t get sufficient media coverage. Also interested counterparts didn’t release any official statement. So in attempt to understand what happened, we’ll try to examine information and attempt to set it within wider background. Analysis may contain some speculative conclusions.
On a 6th of March 2023, The Perth Mint has been accused by Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) of selling doped gold bars to its largest customer, Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE).