Two thirds of the world’s gold is processed here every year and four of the largest gold refineries are located in Switzerland (Metalor, Valcambi, Agror-Heraeus and PAMP).
Switzerland’s dominant position in the gold sector stems in part from its financial center and the role of the banks, which once owned the country’s largest refineries. A favorable legal framework, political neutrality, an excellent infrastructure and historical proximity to Italy, which was considered the world’s largest jewelery manufacturer in the 1970s, have also contributed to Switzerland becoming the world’s largest trading center for gold.
