Solaxis Service
Precious Metals
GOLD and other precious metals trade including SILVER and COPPER.
Global Gold Production
Most of the gold in the world is produced by a small number of countries. Gold mines produce rough gold called a doré bar, typically about 80 percent pure gold.
Solaxis Refinery Locations
The gold is sent to a refinery where it is refined into gold of different forms and purity. With the help of our experienced staff at Solaxis, we operate in:
London Good Delivery Bars
Perhaps the most widely produced gold bars are the London Good Delivery bars. Under rules established by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), these bars — the gold standard of the gold world — must meet strict requirements:
99.5%
Minimum Purity
350-430
Ounces Weight
~400 oz
Typical Weight
Each bar must be stamped with a unique serial number, the fineness, and the seal of the refiner. Only LBMA-approved refiners can make these bars.
The Role of Bullion Banks
Bullion banks are the middleman of the gold world. Solaxis deals with the miners that produce gold, acting as the main facilitator. Banks play a clearing role: when producers want to sell, they sell to the bank; when consumers want to buy, they buy from the bank.
Spot Trading
Immediate gold transactions at current market prices.
Forwards & Options
Future contracts and derivative instruments.
Vaulting Services
Secure storage in global vault locations.
Financing
Metal advances and lending services.
Gold Markets
The price of gold is determined by supply and demand. There isn't one gold market; there are many:
Over-the-Counter (OTC)
Primary market where spot/cash price is determined. Located in London, New York, Dubai, and Turkey.
Gold Futures Market
Largest futures market in the United States for gold trading contracts.
London Fix
Primary benchmark price for gold with two daily fixings at 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM.
How the London Fix Works
There are two daily "fixings": a fix at 10:30 AM and a PM fix at 3:00 PM. The fixing is run by the London Gold Fixing Limited with 5 members:
The chairman nominates a price, and the five members pass this information down to their clients in a pyramid structure. Eventually, when there is equilibrium between buyers and sellers, the chairman declares the price "fixed." This provides a tradable benchmark price for valuing gold assets in portfolios.
Global Distribution
Depending on where the gold is mined, it will typically be flown to a bank vault in another country. Primary consumer markets include:
From Fixing to Consumer
While much of the gold supply is vaulted (held for investors like ETFs, or central banks), about half of the world's gold ends up as jewellery.
For example, India, the largest consumer of gold in the world: A wholesaler would request specific gold bars from a bullion bank, who can deliver or refine to specifications, then ship to the local bank. The bank forwards the gold to jewellery manufacturers. Much of the gold used for jewellery is leased — users borrow gold to avoid price risk, paying a fee while title remains with the bank until the final product is manufactured.
Solaxis: Your Precious Metals Partner
Solaxis serves as the main facilitator in the precious metals trade, connecting miners, refineries, bullion banks, and consumers across Peru, South Africa, Ghana, and global markets.