Purity describes a material characteristic. Provenance concerns the history and route of that material. Both can matter, but evidence for one should not be treated as evidence for the other.
Map the chain of responsibility
A useful review identifies the supplier, refiner, transporter and custodian relevant to the transaction. Ask how records connect between them and which party is responsible for discrepancies. Avoid filling a gap in the record with an assumption about where the metal came from.
Read the scope of a framework
LBMA publishes a responsible-sourcing programme and guidance for refiners. When a supplier refers to a standard, confirm the named entity, applicable scope, period and evidence. A reference to an industry framework on this website does not mean that EXAM or a particular transaction is accredited.
Keep questions specific
Ask for the document that supports each claim and note what it does not cover. A responsible-sourcing review is separate from price assessment, ownership and custody. The transaction still requires its own commercial and contractual review.
- Does the document apply to this supplier and material?
- Are dates and entity names consistent?
- How are unresolved gaps recorded and investigated?