UK Factory Turns E-Waste into Gold

The Royal Mint in the UK has taken a significant step towards sustainable practices by opening a cutting-edge commercial factory dedicated to processing gold extracted from electronic waste (e-waste). This innovative facility is set to revolutionize the recycling industry by efficiently extracting precious metals from discarded electronics.

The state-of-the-art plant, located in South Wales, aims to process up to 4,000 tonnes of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) from e-waste annually. By utilizing a patented chemistry developed by Canadian clean tech company Excir, the facility can extract 99% pure gold from a variety of electronic devices, including old TVs, laptops, and mobile phones. What sets this process apart is that the Excir chemistry operates at room temperature, making it both energy-efficient and cost-effective.

The Royal Mint's commitment to sustainability extends beyond gold extraction. The facility also recovers other valuable metals such as silver, copper, palladium, aluminium, and tantalum, which are used in various industries. Additionally, the glass fiber extracted from the PCBs is repurposed to reinforce concrete, further reducing waste and promoting circular economy practices.

Recognizing the importance of setting industry standards, The Royal Mint has collaborated with major organizations to establish the first standard for recycled gold defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This initiative aims to bring clarity to the industry, consumers, and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability in the sourcing of recycled precious metals.

With the global e-waste crisis escalating, initiatives like The Royal Mint's e-waste recycling plant are crucial in addressing the environmental impact of electronic waste. According to the United Nations' Global E-waste Monitor, the volume of e-waste generated worldwide is increasing by 2.6 million tonnes annually. In 2022 alone, a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste was produced, marking an 82% increase from 2010.