OUR REFINING PROCESS

A Clear, Professional Refining Process From Start to Settlement

Whether you're sending a single shipment or establishing an ongoing refining program, Benchmark guides you through every stage of the process—from preparing and shipping your material to professional evaluation and final settlement.

Our goal is to make refining straightforward, transparent, and easy to understand.

Request a Refining Kit
Request a Shipping Label

Refining Made Straightforward

Every customer and every material type is different. Some customers know exactly what they're sending, while others need help identifying or evaluating their material before shipment.

Benchmark provides clear instructions, organized material handling, professional processing, and transparent settlement documentation from beginning to end.

Our Refining Process

  • Start Your Shipment

    Request a refining kit, shipping label, pickup information, or material review. If you're unsure what you have, send us information before shipping.

  • Prepare & Ship Your Material

    Package your material securely using your own containers or Benchmark collection solutions. Follow the provided shipping instructions and keep different material types separate when requested.

  • Material Receipt & Documentation

    When your shipment arrives, the material is received, documented, weighed, and entered into our refining process.

  • Processing & Assay

    Your material is processed using methods appropriate for its type and composition. Precious metal content is then evaluated using the appropriate industry standard assay procedures.

  • Settlement & Payment

    Once processing and evaluation are complete, you'll receive detailed settlement documentation showing your results and how your payment was calculated. Payment is then issued using your selected settlement method.

Different Materials Require Different Processing

  • Dental Materials

    Crowns, bridges, PFMs, dental alloys, laboratory scrap, and mixed scrap.

  • Jewelry & Manufacturing Materials

    Karat scrap, sterling, bench sweeps, polishing dust, manufacturing scrap, and jewelry requiring stone removal.

  • Crematory Materials

    Qualifying post-cremation metallic materials handled through Benchmark's crematory recovery programs.

  • Industrial & Specialty Materials

    Precious metal-bearing industrial materials, components, residues, and specialty materials reviewed according to material type.

Safe Packaging Matters

Before shipping:

  • Complete Material Submission Form and place in box along with material you are sending in.

  • Ensure different material types and lots are individually packaged and labeled*.

  • Fill empty spaces with paper or bubble wrap to ensure that nothing moves or makes noise if gently shaken.

  • Securely tape top, bottom, and side seams.

  • Place shipping label on top of box, making sure it is flat with no wrinkles, is readable, and is going to Benchmark Refining Group.

*We provide shipping materials including free prepaid shipping labels, collection bags & containers, as well as shipping boxes.  Contact us to request shipping materials.

Download Material Submission Form
Request a Shipping Label

What Happens When Your Shipment Arrives?

  • Shipment Received

    Your package is received and associated with your customer account.

  • Material Documented

    The shipment is opened, documented, and prepared for processing.

  • Material Processed & Evaluated

    The appropriate processing and assay procedures are performed.

  • Settlement Prepared

    Results are reviewed and settlement documentation is prepared. Payment is issued in the form you have selected.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Estimated processing and settlement times are available and vary based on the type of material received.  Reach out and we will provide an estimated turn around time for the material you are sending in.

  • No. Most materials should be shipped as they were collected unless we've provided different instructions.

  • Yes, when practical. Materials that require different processing methods— such as clean karat scrap, bench sweeps, polishing waste, dental material, and sterling silver—should be packaged separately and clearly labeled. If you're unsure what should be separated, contact us before shipping and we'll provide instructions.

  • That's completely fine. Request a Material Review and provide photos, a description, approximate weight, and any information you have about the material. Our team will review it and help determine the appropriate next step before you ship.

  • Yes. Multiple material types can be included in the same shipment, but materials requiring separate processing should be placed in separate, clearly labeled bags or containers within the package. This allows each material type to be properly documented and processed.

  • Contact Benchmark before shipping large or unusually valuable lots. We'll review the material, quantity, packaging requirements, and available transportation options with you. Pickup or other shipping arrangements may be available for qualifying shipments and locations.

Ready to Begin?

Whether you're sending your first shipment or looking for a long-term refining partner, Benchmark is ready to help make the process simple and straightforward.

Contact Our Team

Get Started

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're sending your first shipment or looking for a long-term refining partner, Benchmark Refining Group is ready to help.

Contact Our Team
Contact Our Team
Contact Our Team