In 1993, GIR established The Industry Collection of Gold Bars Worldwide, the world’s largest collection of cast and minted bars, with the support of N M Rothschild & Sons (Australia) Limited and the World Gold Council. The Perth Mint is the Custodian and Official Location. GIR is the Curator.

GIR stages international gold exhibitions which tell the story of gold - through gold bars - to the end uses of gold. Exhibitions have been held in Germany, Singapore, Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Canada, USA and UK. There is a permanent exhibition of Industry Collection bars at The Perth Mint.

In 2007, GIR established www.goldbarsworldwide.com, an international website that offers access to information on gold bars and refiners from around the world. The project is supported by the World Council as the major sponsor, AngloGold Ashanti Limited and leading international refiners and dealers.

GIR also undertakes international research and consultancy projects on behalf of gold refiners, mints, gold dealers, mining companies and industry associations.

GIR was established by Nigel and Brigida Desebrock in 1989. Nigel Desebrock has been associated with the gold industry for more than 25 years. He previously worked for the gold marketing arm of the Chamber of Mines of South Africa in London and Johannesburg, where he became Manager, Investment Division (Worldwide), and for Gold Corporation (which included The Perth Mint and Australian Gold Refineries), where he became a Board Director and Managing Director of GoldCorp Australia.