As our world becomes increasingly digital, the flip side of tech advancement is mounting e-waste. In 2022 alone, the planet generated 62 million tonnes of electronic waste—a staggering 82% rise since 2010. Projections suggest this number will jump another 32% by 2030, hitting 82 million tonnes. Old phones, laptops, servers, and digital accessories are being discarded faster than ever.
This surge not only harms the environment but also results in the loss of valuable materials like gold, silver, and rare earth elements—only about 1% of which are recovered via recycling today.
A Breakthrough in Gold Recovery
In a major scientific advancement, researchers have unveiled a new method to safely extract gold from electronic waste. Published in Nature Sustainability, the method uses environmentally safe chemicals and reusable polymers, offering a viable and scalable alternative to traditional, toxic recovery processes.
How the 3-Step Process Works
Step 1: Dissolving Gold
Gold is dissolved using trichloroisocyanuric acid, a common water treatment chemical, aided by a halide catalyst that facilitates oxidation.
Step 2: Binding Gold
A polysulfide polymer is introduced to the solution. It binds exclusively to the dissolved gold, filtering it out from other metals and impurities.
Step 3: Recovering Gold
The gold-bound polymer is either heated (pyrolyzed) or chemically broken down (depolymerized), resulting in high-purity gold. The polymer can be reused, adding to the method’s sustainability.
Eco-Friendly and Scalable
This method avoids the use of cyanide and mercury, often used in gold mining and e-waste recycling. It’s safer, cleaner, and tested on natural ores as well as various e-waste sources, proving its broader applicability.
As e-waste volumes rise—equal to 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks circling the Earth—this innovation presents a circular, environmentally responsible alternative to both mining and landfilling.
What This Means for the Future
Industries and governments worldwide are now exploring this solution for large-scale deployment. If adopted widely, it could transform e-waste from a global crisis into an opportunity—helping recover precious metals, reduce pollution, and drive sustainable economic practices.
This is not just about recycling gold—it’s about reimagining waste as a resource.
