Great Lakes Refinery
Refining precious metals from the DRC & Great Lakes region, traceably.
We take raw and semi-refined material from mine sites and artisanal mining partners across the DRC and Great Lakes region and turn it into high-purity, independently assayed metals and gemstones — with the documentation your buyers and regulators need to see.
Refining capacity, built for this region
Great Lakes Refinery is a precious minerals refining company sourcing primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the wider East African Great Lakes region — a region long recognized as one of the world's most significant sources of gold, other precious metals, and gemstones.
We work with mine sites, artisanal and small-scale mining communities, exporters, and institutional clients to move minerals and gemstones from the point of extraction to market through processes that are traceable, compliant, and responsibly managed. Our role is to add the refining capacity, quality assurance, and regulatory discipline the regional supply chain needs to compete internationally.
Precious metals and gemstone services, end to end
From raw ore to a documented, saleable shipment — pick a service to request a quote for.
Gold Refining
Raw and semi-refined gold processed into high-purity bullion, with independent purity verification before release.
Request a quote →Gold Smelting
Consolidation and purification of gold-bearing ore and concentrates from mine sites across the DRC and Great Lakes region, ahead of final refining.
Request a quote →Gold Enhancement
Treatment processes that improve the purity, colour, and finish of gold ahead of sale, export, or further refining.
Ask about this service →Assaying Services
Independent assay services giving clients an accurate basis for pricing and settlement, before and after refining.
Request a quote →Testing of Gemstones
Independent testing and grading of gemstones alongside our metals services, giving buyers and sellers a verified basis for value.
Request a quote →Private Mineral Testing
Confidential, independent testing for individuals and companies who need verified results outside the standard trade chain.
Ask about this service →Transaction Handling
Structuring, documenting, and settling sales of precious metals and minerals between miners, exporters, and buyers.
Ask about this service →Consultancy in Minerals
Advisory support on formalization, compliance, and responsible sourcing for associations and small-scale operators.
Ask about this service →Advocacy for Minerals
Representing the interests of miners and mineral associations in policy, trade, and industry discussions across the region.
Ask about this service →
Compliance & responsible sourcing
Great Lakes Refinery operates under the mining and minerals regulations of its country of registration, and maintains the licenses and permits required to receive, process, and export precious minerals. We follow due-diligence practices consistent with regional and international frameworks for responsible mineral supply chains, including chain-of-custody documentation intended to support conflict-free sourcing.
Built on artisanal and small-scale mining partnerships
We work directly with artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) associations across the DRC and Great Lakes region, offering fair pricing, on-site testing, and a formal route to market for miners who have historically depended on informal buyers. These partnerships are central to our sourcing model and to responsible, traceable sourcing across the region.
"The team at Great Lakes Refinery is very professional and on time."
— ASM association
"Great Lakes Refinery operates in such a way that they are very clean and transparent."
— Muhamed Ismail - UAE
"For all my gold needs in my jewellery store, i trust great lakes refinery."
— Diego - Italy
Markets we serve
We supply refined gold and other precious metals — plus independently tested gemstones — to exporters, jewellers, bullion dealers, and institutional buyers across the DRC, East Africa, and international markets, subject to all applicable export controls and licensing requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What services does Great Lakes Refinery offer?+
How do I start a refining request?+
Where can I sell gold in the DRC or Great Lakes region?+
Can artisanal and small-scale miners work directly with Great Lakes Refinery?+
How does gold assaying work before a sale?+
Is there a minimum quantity for refining or assaying?+
How do I export gold legally from the DRC?+
Is Great Lakes Refinery licensed?+
Do you test gemstones as well as precious metals?+
Do you work with international buyers?+
Start a conversation
Tell us what you're bringing to market or what you need refined, tested, or documented. We'll follow up to discuss next steps.