A gold bar’s appearance does not tell a buyer whether it is doré, refined bullion or suitable for the intended receiving facility. Before comparing physical gold offers connected to Congo, Uganda or the wider East African region, establish exactly what product is being discussed. That decision shapes the inspection brief, quotation and settlement process.
This guide explains the questions a procurement team should resolve. It is not a product offer, confirmation of available stock or a substitute for independent verification.
What is the difference between gold doré and refined bullion?
Gold doré is an intermediate gold-bearing alloy that needs further refining. Its composition can vary from one lot to another. A description such as “doré bars” therefore needs an accompanying specification and representative assay; it does not establish a fixed gold content.
Refined bullion is offered to a defined fineness and product specification. The buyer still needs to establish who produced it, which bars are included, whether the documentation is authentic and whether the receiving institution accepts that product. A stamped number or attractive photograph cannot answer those questions alone.
Understand percentage purity and fineness
Percentage purity expresses gold content in parts per hundred by weight. Fineness expresses it in parts per thousand. For example, 99.99% and 999.9 fineness describe the same proportion. The LBMA explanation of gold purity describes this distinction.
Ask the seller to state the unit clearly. Also distinguish the weight of the entire material from the fine gold it contains. For a purely hypothetical example, 10 kg of material assaying 90% gold contains 9 kg of gold mathematically. That does not establish payable quantity, processing recovery or sale value; the contract must define the commercial calculation and deductions.
High purity does not automatically mean Good Delivery
A claim of high purity and a claim of LBMA Good Delivery are different statements. The LBMA’s technical specifications address multiple bar requirements. Buyers should check the claimed producer and product against the applicable requirements rather than treating a purity figure as accreditation.
Nothing in this article represents Buy Gold Congo as an LBMA-accredited refiner or identifies any offered material as Good Delivery. If a seller makes an accreditation claim, verify the exact claim independently.
Ask the receiving refinery what it will accept
Before arranging an inspection or shipment, ask the intended refinery or other receiving facility for its product acceptance and onboarding requirements. Clarify whether it accepts the proposed material form, what analytical information it needs and how it handles weighing, sampling and final assay.
For doré, obtain a written explanation of processing charges, settlement timing and treatment of other recoverable metals, where relevant. For refined bars, ask which identity, marking and authenticity checks apply. Do not assume one facility’s procedures apply elsewhere.
Connect the assay to the actual lot
A laboratory result is useful only when the tested sample can be connected to the goods being purchased. Record the lot reference, bar or package identifiers, weighing details, sample preparation and chain of custody. Agree independent sampling, sealed sample splits and the handling of conflicting results before payment milestones are finalised.
Our guide to understanding a gold assay report explains why laboratory results and representative sampling must be considered together.
Put these questions in your buying enquiry
- Is the required product doré or refined bullion?
- What weight, fineness and measurement units are proposed?
- Which identified lot and independent inspection records support the offer?
- Has the receiving facility accepted the product and the intended process?
- Which assay, price reference, deductions and settlement milestones will govern?
- Who arranges and pays for refining, inspection, insurance and transport?
- What evidence establishes origin, ownership and the seller’s authority?
Keep product verification separate from counterparty checks. An acceptable sample does not prove authority to sell, while a registered company does not prove that a particular lot exists.
Start with a precise product requirement
When contacting Buy Gold Congo, state your company, destination, required product form, intended quantity and receiving facility. Use our physical gold quotation checklist to organise the remaining details, or contact our team to discuss your requirements. Any proposed transaction remains subject to verification, documentation and agreed written terms.