Case Study: Exporting African Gold to Asia
This case study examines a representative gold export transaction from South Africa to a Shanghai-based refinery. The shipment—28.7 kilograms of gold sourced from licensed operations in North West province—demonstrates how regulated African supply chains deliver documented material to Asian markets within 14 business days.
Transaction Overview
Origin: North West province, South Africa
Destination: Shanghai Pudong International Airport, China
Volume: 28.7 kilograms
Timeline: 14 business days from acquisition to refinery acceptance
Regulatory Pathway: SABS fire assay → SADPMR permit → SARS customs clearance → air freight
Phase 1: Source Verification and Acquisition
AFRICA GOLD field officers visited three licensed small-scale cooperatives near Rustenburg, verifying Minerals Act compliance and recording GPS coordinates for each acquisition point. Material was weighed on calibrated scales, photographed, and sealed in tamper-evident containers with unique serial numbers. Chain of custody documentation was initiated at this stage—capturing miner license numbers, acquisition timestamps, and seal identifiers.
Phase 2: SABS Fire Assay Certification
Containers were transported directly to a SABS-registered laboratory in Johannesburg. Technicians conducted fire assay using cupellation and parting methods, determining precise fineness of 94.37 percent. The accredited certificate—bearing SABS registration number, batch identifier matching seal numbers, and authorized signature—was issued within 48 hours.
Phase 3: Government Export Approval
The assay certificate and chain of custody records were submitted to the South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator. Officials conducted physical inspection at OR Tambo International Airport, verifying seal integrity against documentation. SADPMR issued the export permit within three business days. SARS customs endorsed the permit the same day, clearing material for air freight.
Phase 4: Air Freight Execution
Containers were loaded onto a scheduled commercial flight from OR Tambo to Shanghai Pudong. The air waybill listed precise contents, seal numbers, and consignee details. Full insurance coverage was maintained throughout transit. Real-time tracking updates were shared with the buyer at each handling point.
Phase 5: Refinery Acceptance in Shanghai
Upon arrival, Chinese customs conducted secondary inspection before release. The refinery verified seal integrity, cross-checked documentation against physical material, and performed intake assay confirming 94.35 percent fineness—within acceptable variance of the SABS certificate. Material was accepted into processing within four hours of airport arrival.
Key Success Factors
- Documentation captured in real time at acquisition prevented chain of custody gaps
- Direct laboratory relationships ensured rapid SABS certification without intermediaries
- Proactive permit submission with complete documentation avoided SADPMR processing delays
- Destination-specific preparation aligned paperwork with Chinese import requirements
- Transparent communication provided buyer confidence throughout the 14-day workflow
Since 2015, AFRICA GOLD has executed similar transactions across Ghana, South Africa, and South Sudan from its South African headquarters, with coordination support from the United Kingdom. This integrated operational model—combining on-ground verification, accredited testing coordination, and direct government engagement—enables consistent delivery to Asian refineries.
Reliable Asian supply requires documented execution—not theoretical promises. AFRICA GOLD delivers verifiable transaction records across established African-to-Asia corridors.
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