Asahi Refining

Japan-based precious metals recycling company Asahi Holdings was founded in 1952 in the city of Tokyo. The recycling company and refiner historically engaged in the collection, recovery, and refinement of gold, silver, copper, and more. It consistency grew over sixty years to approximately 1,700 employees. Then in March 2015, Asahi Refining acquired the gold and silver refining business units of Johnson Matthey.

This acquisition of the long-standing company added 340 more employees to their roster and expanded the refining company to more countries including the United States. Asahi Refining became a London Good Delivery refiner. This is a highly-sought after distinction and commercially viable professional and financial grade level standard for gold and silver bars.

Asahi Refining now operates in six countries through its subsidiaries processing: gold, silver, and platinum group metals.  LBMA London Good Delivery and COMEX approves of Asahi Refining’s bars. Their gold and silver bars are approved for holding within an IRA.

Reviews of Asahi Refining

Asahi is one of the most highly regarded private mints in the business. The quality of their gold and silver bars are second to none, however they do not sell directly to retail buyers. You can acquire Asahi Refining gold and silver bars from a number of distributors online. Asahi is one of the most known and respected global brands trusted by both bullion investors and collectors.

Mint Locations

Asahi has refineries in five countries on three continents: Salt Lake City, US, Toronto, Canada, Tokyo, Japan, Mexico City, Mexico, Santiago, Chile. They serve major industries such as: miners, recyclers, bankers, and distributors.

USA
4601 West 2100 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84120

Below is a streetview photo of the Asahi Refining facility in Salt Lake City.

Asahi Refining’s Claim to Fame

100 ounce Johnson Matthey silver bars are highly-sought after, as none will ever be made again. The new Asahi 100 ounce silver bars look similar with a few key differences – a smoother pour and a less dark polished finish.

Asahi Refining purchased the gold and silver refining segments of London-based Johnson Matthey in 2014 for £118 million. Refining was just a small part of Johnson Matthey, which is primarily involved in the business of manufacturing specialty chemicals and sustainable technologies. The addition of Johnson Matthey’s refining operation helped cement Asahi Refining’s place as one of the biggest mints in the industry.

Photos of the Mint

Asahi Refining is best known for its gold and silver bars. Below is an example of a gold bar.

Below is an example of a 100 oz. silver bar made by Asahi Refining.

Videos of the Mint

Here is an unboxing video of an Asahi Refinery 100oz silver bar

The video below compares the Johnson Matthey silver bar to the Asahi version that is poured in the same molds.

Executives

Grant Angwin serves as president of Asahi Refining. Angwin  studied chemistry, and business and finance in the UK. He started his career as an analytical chemist with Johnson Matthey. He has previously served as Chairman of the London Bullion Market Association, where he currently serves as Vice Chairman. He also sits on the International Advisory Panel of the Shanghai Gold Exchange.

Content updated on Jan. 1st, 2023