Italian technology has played a pivotal role in achieving a new world record in Perth. The Perth Mint, the historic refinery and mint owned by the Government of Western Australia, has been awarded a Guinness World Records title for producing the world’s largest gold bar, using a casting system designed and built by the Italian Ikoi Group, which also includes Graphite Hi Tech.
Weighing more than 500 kilograms and boasting a purity of 99.999%, the gold bar was produced using Ikoi’s patented Flameless Tunnel system for gold melting, together with a specially engineered graphite mould developed by Graphite Hi Tech. The combination of these technologies made it possible to produce a gold bar of unprecedented dimensions while maintaining the highest standards of metal purity.
In recognition of the significance of the Italian technological contribution, the name Ikoi was engraved directly onto the gold bar, providing a permanent tribute to the company’s innovation and engineering expertise.
The official ceremony celebrating the Guinness World Records achievement was attended by the Consul of Italy in Perth, Sergio Federico Nicolaci; the Governor of Western Australia, the Hon. Chris Dawson AC APM; the Premier of Western Australia, Roger Cook MLA; the Chairman of The Perth Mint, Sam Walsh AO; the Chief Executive Officer of The Perth Mint, Jason Waters; the Founder and Chairman of the Ikoi Group, Giovanni Faoro; and the Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Michela Ferraro.
“This world record bears the hallmark of Italian ingenuity and technology,” Consul Nicolaci said. “The Ikoi Group’s contribution demonstrates once again that Italy’s manufacturing and engineering expertise continues to stand out in some of the world’s most advanced industrial projects. The decision by The Perth Mint to engrave the name Ikoi on the gold bar is a recognition that goes far beyond symbolism: it means that Italian technological excellence will remain literally etched onto a remarkable achievement that will be admired by millions of people.”
Wholly owned by the Government of Western Australia, The Perth Mint is one of the world’s leading precious metals refineries and an internationally recognised centre of excellence for gold refining and processing. For many years, it has collaborated with the Ikoi Group, whose technologies and equipment are used in the refinery’s precious metals refining and melting operations. The Perth Mint refines approximately 70 per cent of Australia’s mined gold, produces investment-grade bullion bars and coins distributed worldwide, and safeguards gold reserves on behalf of governments, central banks and institutional investors.
