Royal Mint Recycles Gold from E-Waste to Make Luxury Jewelry

The Royal Mint in the UK is turning electronic waste into luxury jewelry by recovering gold from old devices. The plant, opened two years ago, can process around 4,000 tonnes of e-waste per year and contains about 400 kilos of gold.

New Bank of England office phones contain around 30 milligrammes of gold, worth around £3 at current prices. Modern smartphones contain roughly four pounds' worth of the metal, which is prized in electronic circuits for its ability to conduct electricity well without corroding.

The Royal Mint uses a patented process that dissolves gold at room temperature, eliminating the need for high temperatures or corrosive acid mixtures. This process allows for repeated use and reduces energy consumption.