Compare the theoretical fine-gold content of a feed with the actual recovered fine gold. This makes refining yield distinct from assay purity and from a simple gross-weight recovery calculation.
Purity tells you how concentrated the gold is. Recovery compares actual recovered fine gold with contained gold. Yield is commonly used for that recovery comparison across a refining run.
A result materially above 100% may indicate inconsistent assays, wet material, weighing errors, accounting timing differences or other input problems. It should trigger review rather than being treated as genuine refining performance.
Actual fine gold recovered divided by theoretical contained fine gold.
No.
The calculation can, but such a result needs investigation.
Because refining performance depends on gold recovered, not just product mass.