Claudiu Diaconu, CEO of RAFINOR: “Romanian investment gold is becoming a strategic asset”

  RAFINOR announces a plus 45% increase in demand for investment gold bars in the first half of 2025. In Q1 2025, global gold demand reached 1,206 tons — the highest level for a first quarter in the past decade.   RAFINOR, the only gold refinery in Romania, reports over 45% increase in demand for investment gold bars in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. A growing number of Romanians are turning to gold as a form of capital protection, amid ongoing economic and geopolitical turbulence.   The situation in Romania mirrors a broader global trend. Concerns about inflation, lack of trust in financial markets, and geopolitical crises have strengthened gold’s privileged position as a safe-haven asset. According to the World Gold Council, global gold demand in Q1 2025 reached 1,206 tonnes — the highest level for a first quarter in the last 10 years. And analysts expect this upward trend to continue.   Claudiu Diaconu, CEO of RAFINOR emphasizes that alongside rising demand, there is also a clear preference for locally refined gold: “We’re seeing a strong shift towards tangible Romanian-made products with intrinsic value. Interest in our gold bars is growing not only among seasoned investors but also among those taking their first steps toward portfolio diversification. A distinct preference is emerging for Romanian gold, reflecting a desire to support the national industry — a traditional segment of the economy. In this context, Romanian investment gold is becoming a strategic asset”.   The executive director of Romania’s only gold refinery highlights that the country not only has the resources but also the expertise needed to become a key player in the gold refining industry. “The growing demand for local gold is a clear signal that the market is ready — and we are ready to deliver”, he added, noting that RAFINOR products meet a real need for secure, tangible, and accessible investments.   RAFINOR produces gold bars with 999.9% purity, starting from 2.5 g, 5 g, 10 g, and 20 g, with the capacity to meet national demand without logistical delays. The leading precious metals processing company currently has a refining capacity of 6 tons of gold per year, with plans to increase this to 8 tons in 2026. Within two years, RAFINOR aims to reach a refining capacity of 15 tons per year.   Earlier this year, RAFINOR entered into a strategic partnership with MAGNOR for the distribution of Romanian-made investment gold bars. In its 26 stores across Bucharest and other major cities, the retailer sells gold bars of various weights, individually packaged and inspected before delivery, distinguished by high-quality finishing and guaranteed purity. Each product is certified by RAFINOR’s in-house laboratory, the National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC), and other accredited laboratories in Europe.    “Our goal is not only to deliver high-purity gold but also to set a standard of excellence for the entire industry”, says Claudiu Diaconu. RAFINOR investment gold bars are also available through the STIL Diamonds retail network.   Buying gold in Romania also offers customers several clear benefits: lower costs, faster delivery, increased security, and greater transaction transparency, among others. Additionally, it contributes to the development of the local economy and the advancement of Romania’s precious metals sector.   The business objectives of the most important player in Romania’s precious metals market include strengthening existing strategic partnerships, expanding the distributor network and product portfolio, and surpassing a 100 million euros turnover in the coming years.   RAFINOR is also consolidating its international presence, currently collaborating with European refineries for over 50% of its industrial output as part of its expansion strategy into external markets.   “RAFINOR is not just an industrial project — it is the expression of an ambitious vision: to position Romania as a landmark on Europe’s gold map. In the medium term, we aim to become the most important player in Eastern Europe in the precious metals refining sector. We are building a solid infrastructure supported by modern technology, local expertise, and strategic partnerships so that Romania is no longer just a consumer market, but a centre of excellence in gold processing at the highest international standards”, concludes Claudiu Diaconu, CEO of RAFINOR.   About RAFINOR   RAFINOR is Romania’s first and only refinery specializing in gold, with a refining capacity exceeding two tons per year. As the leader in Romania’s precious metals industry, the company revitalizes a long-standing national tradition while modernizing it with cutting-edge refining technologies.   RAFINOR, Romania’s only precious metals refinery, specializes in selling investment gold bars, semi-finished gold bars, and industrial products for jewellery, retail, medical, green energy, photovoltaic panels, automotive, technology, and other sectors. These include 24K gold granules, as well as gold sheets, plates, and bands. In 2025 the company will begin processing silver, primarily for industrial use. The industry leader aims to surpass an annual turnover of EUR 100 million within the next three years.