South African gold was historically sent to London for refining, which contributed to the idea that South Africa didn't refine its own gold. Rand Refinery was created specifically to change that — it says it has refined more than one-third of the world's mined gold over its history, even though gold has also historically been traded through international markets.
Source: Rand Refinery
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Rand Refinery established?
In 1920, by the Chamber of Mines of South Africa.
Is it the only refinery of its kind in Africa?
Rand Refinery says it remains the only LBMA-accredited refinery on the continent.
Why did the myth that South Africa doesn't refine gold persist?
Because South African gold was historically sent to London for refining and trading, even after domestic refining capacity existed.