Umicore

Umicore is a Belgian manufacturer and precious-metals refiner with its processing base in Hoboken near Antwerp, a tradition dating back to 1805. The company operates the world's largest integrated precious-metals recycling facility and is among the largest silver refineries in the world. Umicore produces minted and cast bars in gold, silver, platinum and palladium with LBMA Good Delivery accreditation.

What makes Umicore distinctive is the high share of metal from recycling — recovery from used materials, which makes the offer attractive to buyers who value sustainable metal sourcing. At GoldInvest24 you will find Umicore bars alongside current precious metals prices. See also our gold bars and silver bars.

Umicore — a Belgian bullion producer and the largest precious-metals recycler

Umicore is a Belgian materials group and precious-metals refiner whose processing plant is located in Hoboken near Antwerp. The company operates the world's largest integrated precious-metals recycling facility and, with a processing capacity of more than 2,400 tonnes of silver per year, is among the largest silver refineries in the world. Umicore produces minted and cast bars in gold, silver, platinum and palladium, carrying LBMA Good Delivery accreditation.

History — from an 1805 zinc mine to a materials group

Umicore's roots go back to 1805, when a small zinc smelter was founded, its beginnings linked to the Vieille-Montagne mine on the Belgian-German border. Through the 19th and 20th centuries the company grew into one of the pillars of the European metals industry.

In 1989, the merger of the Vieille-Montagne company with units such as Metallurgie Hoboken-Overpelt created an integrated industrial group. In 2001 the company adopted the name Umicore and redirected its activity towards materials processing and the recycling and recovery of precious metals — a direction that has become its hallmark today.

This more-than-two-hundred-year metallurgical tradition combines at Umicore with a modern technology profile: alongside bullion production, the company is active in catalysis, automotive materials and battery technologies.

What Umicore produces — gold, silver, platinum and palladium

Umicore produces high-purity minted and cast bars in all four precious metals for the international markets. The scale of production — over 100 tonnes of gold and over 2,400 tonnes of silver per year — makes the company a supplier both to the retail market and to banks, industry and other bullion dealers.

Umicore gold bars are minted in 999.9 fineness and silver bars in 999. Each bar carries the manufacturer's marking and the marking of weight and fineness, and minted bars are supplied in packaging with a certificate. The distinctive Umicore logo is recognised on the European market, especially in the German- and French-speaking regions.

Recycling and sustainable metal sourcing

What sets Umicore apart most strongly is its recycling-based model. A significant part of the company's gold and silver comes from recovery from used industrial and electronic materials processed at the plant in Hoboken — the world's largest integrated precious-metals recycling facility.

In 2013 Umicore was among the first refineries to pass the LBMA Responsible Gold audit, confirming compliance with the responsible gold sourcing standard. For a buyer attentive to ESG criteria this means metal of verified, responsible origin — with the same fineness and bullion value as gold from other sources.

Quality and the LBMA Good Delivery standard

Umicore bars hold London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) accreditation to the Good Delivery standard — the highest industry standard for fineness, weight and traceability of the metal. This means full liquidity: Umicore bars are recognised and accepted by bullion dealers worldwide.

Umicore combines this standard with its position as one of the largest refineries in Europe and with rigorous quality control arising from serving industrial and institutional customers.

Umicore formats and metals — specification and VAT

Umicore gold bullion of at least 995/1000 fineness is exempt from VAT within the European Union. Silver, platinum and palladium are subject to the standard VAT rate. Current quotations are available on the GoldInvest24 precious metals prices page.

Umicore compared with other European refineries

Umicore belongs to the large European refineries with LBMA Good Delivery accreditation. The overview below shows the company's position compared with other recognised bullion manufacturers:

Umicore stands out above all through its recycling- and sustainable-sourcing-based model and its more-than-two-hundred-year metallurgical tradition. Umicore standard bars are among the products with one of the lower premiums in the retail segment.

Where to buy Umicore bars?

GoldInvest24 is a precious-metals dealer offering bullion products from recognised manufacturers, including Umicore bars. Purchase is possible online with courier delivery or personal collection. The offer also includes:

• Gold bars — the full range of weights from LBMA-accredited manufacturers
• Silver bars — various formats and manufacturers
• Gold coins — classic bullion coins of the world
• Silver coins — including bullion series with a low premium

Why GoldInvest24

GoldInvest24 is a precious-metals dealer with many years of experience in the physical trade of gold and silver. We deliver Umicore bars and products of other manufacturers in insured shipping and discreet packaging. See the full range of gold bars and the current precious metals prices.

Choose Umicore bars at GoldInvest24 — compare metals, formats and premiums and order directly online. Insured courier delivery.

FAQ — Umicore

What is Umicore?

Umicore is a Belgian materials group and precious-metals refiner with a processing plant in Hoboken near Antwerp, a tradition dating back to 1805. The company operates the world's largest integrated precious-metals recycling facility and produces bars in gold, silver, platinum and palladium with LBMA Good Delivery accreditation.

What makes Umicore gold distinctive?

Umicore bases its production largely on recycling — a significant part of the metal comes from recovery from used materials processed at the plant in Hoboken. In 2013 Umicore was among the first refineries to pass the LBMA Responsible Gold audit, confirming the responsible origin of the gold.

What fineness do Umicore bars have?

Umicore gold bars are minted in 999.9 fineness and silver bars in 999. Platinum and palladium are usually 999.5. Each bar carries the manufacturer's marking and the marking of weight and fineness, and minted bars are supplied in packaging with a certificate.

What is the difference between minted and cast Umicore bars?

A minted bar is produced by pressing with a steel die — it has a flat, precise surface. A cast bar is produced by pouring molten metal into a mould and has a more artisanal character. The metal content and LBMA accreditation are identical; cast bars usually carry a slightly lower premium.

Are Umicore bars VAT-exempt?

Umicore gold bars of at least 995/1000 fineness are exempt from VAT within the European Union under Directive 2006/112/EC (art. 344). Silver, platinum and palladium are subject to the standard VAT rate.

Who are Umicore bars a good choice for?

Umicore bars suit buyers looking for LBMA metal with one of the lower premiums who also value sustainable, recycling-based metal sourcing. It is a recognised European product, especially popular in the German- and French-speaking markets.

How can I buy Umicore bars at GoldInvest24?

You can order Umicore bars at GoldInvest24 online, with insured courier delivery or personal collection. The price depends on the current metal rate and the chosen weight — you will find current quotations on the precious metals prices page and available items with each product in the shop.