You want two things: verified metal and smooth delivery. This page shows how a bar moves from licensed miners in the DRC to your vault, with the documents you need at each step.
The short version
- Buy from a licensed exporter that gives you a written quote with every fee.
- Keep the chain of custody intact from mine to export to intake.
- Receive an assay card or report, a serial list for cast bars, and a full export pack.
- Ship insured and tracked, then store in a depository or secure safe.
Why buyers choose Congo Rare Minerals
We source at origin and operate at scale in Goma, DRC. We are one of the largest licensed mining and buying operations in Goma by 2024–2025 volumes. Scale plus scheduled exports lets us quote sharp prices while keeping full documentation and insured delivery. Independent checks are available via Lab Testing. If you need re-assay or settlement, see Refining. Read our policy on Responsible Mining.
Stage 1: At the mine
- Work with licensed miners and co-ops.
- Onboarding and due diligence.
- First weight check and initial purity reading.
Output: recorded lots with provenance and basic specs.
Stage 2: Aggregation in Goma
- Lots are logged at our buying desk.
- Sealed containers and custody forms.
- Planning for refining or direct casting.
Output: custody records and batch plan.
Stage 3: Smelting and pre-refine
- Doré smelt for uniformity.
- Samples pulled for testing.
Output: doré or cast input with sample IDs.
Stage 4: Assay and verification
- XRF screening for quick reads.
- Fire assay or third-party lab on request.
- Photos and lab references stored.
Output: assay card for minted bars or assay report for cast bars.
Stage 5: Casting and packing
- Minted bars: sealed with card.
- Cast bars: serial-numbered, labeled, and packed with a serial list.
Output: finished bars with serials and packaging.
Stage 6: Paperwork build
- Commercial invoice.
- Assay docs and serial list.
- Export permits and certificate of origin where applicable.
Output: complete document pack.
Stage 7: Insured export
- Courier booking and insurance confirmation.
- Tamper-evident packaging.
- Airway bill with tracking.
Output: live tracking and policy details.
Stage 8: Arrival and intake
- Customs clearance with your broker or depository.
- Optional re-assay at destination.
- Handover and storage.
Output: intake confirmation and storage documents.
What you receive from us
- Invoice
- Assay card or report
- Serial-numbered bar list for cast bars
- Export permits and certificate of origin where applicable
- Insurance details
- Airway bill with tracking
Save digital copies. They speed customs and protect resale.
Timelines
- Standard retail orders: 3 to 10 working days depending on route and testing.
- Larger wholesale: confirm slot and timing in your quote.
- We share tracking on dispatch.
Pricing basics
Your final price equals spot per kg plus premium, shipping, insurance, testing, payment fees, and any local tax. For worked examples, read 1 kg Gold Bar Price Today.
Buyer checklist
- Written quote with every fee listed
- Company bank account confirmed before payment
- Assay docs and serials in your pack
- Insured, tracked courier and airway bill
- Keep the full pack for resale
What to buy for clean intake and strong resale
- 1 oz coins for flexibility
- 100 g and 250 g bars for balance of cost and liquidity
- 1 kg bars for the lowest cost per gram if you plan to hold
Browse live inventory in the Shop. If you want an independent test before shipment, use Lab Testing.
This page is general information. Check local rules before you purchase.