What valuable materials, besides gold, are recovered from electronic waste by the Royal Mint?

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Other Valuable Materials Recovered from Electronic Waste by the Royal Mint

Besides gold, the Royal Mint recovers other valuable materials from electronic waste, including copper, tantalum, and plastic from circuit boards. These sorted materials are then sold to specialist recyclers. The Royal Mint's facility near Cardiff in Wales is capable of processing approximately 4,000 tonnes of electronic waste annually, which contains an estimated 400 kilograms of gold.
Recovery of Copper, Tantalum, and Plastics

The Royal Mint employs a process that begins with the dismantling of electronic devices before further processing. Following this initial step, materials such as copper, tantalum, and the plastics found on circuit boards are meticulously sorted. These separated components are then sold to specialist recycling firms that can further process them.
Gold Extraction Process

The facility utilizes a patented process developed by a Canadian company, Excir, to chemically remove gold from electronic components. This method allows for the dissolution of gold at room temperature, without requiring external energy input, and the chemical bath can be reused repeatedly. Each recycled Bank of England office phone, for instance, yields approximately 30 milligrammes of gold, valued at around £3.
Broader Context of E-waste Recycling

Globally, the proper collection and recycling of electronic waste remain a challenge, with only 22.3 percent being recycled effectively in 2022, according to United Nations data. Improper disposal can lead to environmental contamination from substances like lead and mercury, and contribute to climate change. The increasing value of gold, which reached a record high of nearly US$5,600 per ounce in late January, makes the recovery of such precious metals from e-waste increasingly economically viable.

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What valuable materials, besides gold, are recovered from electronic waste by the Royal Mint?

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