Switzerland:
Where excellence meets integrity
Switzerland stands as a global reference in the precious metals sector — a position built on decades of technical mastery, precision, and unwavering quality.
As a backbone of several key Swiss industries such as watchmaking, jewellery, renewable energies, financial services, and advanced manufacturing, the precious metals sector contributes to exports, innovation, and employment, while reflecting the country’s enduring tradition of excellence and rigor.
Switzerland’s true distinction lies in its responsibility as much as in its precision. From the origin of raw materials to their journey across global markets, the Swiss model sets the standard for transparency, commitment, and responsibility.
Scroll down to discover cutting-edge material classification systems, evolved regulatory frameworks,
and supply chain innovations that keep Switzerland at the forefront of responsible precious metals stewards.
Switzerland’s
golden engine
Switzerland stands as the beating heart of the global precious metals industry, driving trade, fostering growth, and setting the benchmark for excellence
A key driver in the
Swiss economy
Generating around CHF 130 billion in annual gold exports, the sector plays an important role in Switzerland’s economy — supporting foreign trade, fostering innovation, and contributing to sustainable growth.
World leader
in refining
Switzerland, refining a third of global gold, hosts five leading refineries. These are recognized for their excellence, production capacity, and compliance with the highest ethical and traceability standards.
Regional roots,
global reach
Generating over 2,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs, the industry contributes to regional development and prosperity. Close collaboration with authorities and adherence to Swiss standards of safety and transparency reinforce its role as a trusted economic driver.
Trusted
global hub
Serving clients in over 90 countries, Switzerland remains a strategic centre for refining, trading, and innovation in precious metals — a symbol of reliability for financial institutions, governments, and luxury industries worldwide.
The Swiss Supply Chain:
Safe, Smart, and Transparent
Primary Gold(Mined Gold)
SecureLogistics
SwissRefinery
FinancialInstitutions
Investors &Retailers
SecondaryGold
Industry
Luxurysector
Primary Gold
(Mined Gold)
Precious metals refined and transformed in Switzerland originate from three main categories of material recognized in international due diligence frameworks, including the OECD Due Diligence Guidance. Together, these categories illustrate the high circularity of gold, which can be repeatedly returned to the supply chain while maintaining its quality.
Primary gold is extracted from mineral deposits and enters the supply chain for the first time. According to the OECD, this category covers “gold from mining operations”, including:
Large-Scale Mining (LSM)
Industrial operations using mechanized extraction and formal processing systems.
Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM)
Labour-intensive, often informal operations, with limited mechanization. ASM is considered to account for an estimate of 20% of the global supply and 80% of the workforce.
Once refined, primary gold becomes part of the above-ground stock, which remains in circulation indefinitely and can later re-enter the supply chain.
Sourcing Regulations:
Building trust and setting standards
Switzerland is recognized for its regulatory excellence in the precious metals sector.
Thanks to one of the world’s most stringent legislative frameworks, the country guarantees high standards of transparency, legality and accountability throughout the value chain.
The Central Office for Precious Metals Control (COPMC) oversees compliance with the Precious Metals Control Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA).
Through dual supervision—technical and financial—all operators, from sworn assayers to commercial assayers, are accountable, ensuring transparency and integrity along the entire supply chain.
Discover more on the ASMP website.
The Code of Conduct: ethics, transparency, and integrity
The ASMP Code of Conduct formalizes ethical and sustainable practices in the Swiss precious metals sector.
It focuses on four key areas: business ethics, regulatory compliance, responsible resource use, and transparency.
Members commit to respecting human rights, preventing corruption and exploitation, and promoting open communication.
The ASMP monitors adherence to these principles and can impose sanctions in cases of non-compliance, safeguarding the integrity of the sector.
The ASMP code of conduct can be found on the ASMP website.
Beyond compliance: responsibility and innovation for a sustainable supply chain
By adhering to international standards such as LBMA, Responsible Jewellery Council, and OECD guidelines, ASMP members actively combat unethical practices and ensure a responsible and traceable supply chain. The ASMP goes beyond regulatory obligations to promote responsibility and innovation across the sector.
The Association and its members are involved in field initiatives in collaboration with local governments and NGOs, aiming to improve environmental and social conditions in countries where precious metals are mined.
Through innovative digital solutions, such as the Swiss Precious Metals Transparency Platform, the ASMP is promoting innovative solutions for tracking the journey of precious metals along the entire supply chain.
Discover more about Switzerland’s precious metals industry on the ASMP website.
Estimated:
Global Underground Gold Reserves
- Mined Gold to Date
216,265 metric tons
- Remaining Gold Underground
54,000 metric tons
Estimated Gold Reserves per Country in metric tons
Australia
12,000
Indonesia
3,600
United States
3,000
Russia
12,000
Canada
3,200
Peru
2,500
South Africa
5,000
China
3,100
Brazil
2,400