Which company patented the gold extraction process used by the Royal Mint?

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Excir Patented the Gold Extraction Process Used by the Royal Mint

The Canadian company Excir holds the patent for the gold extraction process employed by the Royal Mint. This innovative method allows for the recovery of gold from electronic waste at room temperature, without the need for external energy input, and the chemical solutions used in the process can be reused. The Royal Mint has implemented this technology to transform electronic waste, such as old telephones, into valuable gold for its jewellery brand.
Excir's Patented Technology

The Royal Mint utilises a patented process developed by the Canadian firm Excir for extracting gold. This process is notable for its ability to dissolve gold from electronic components at room temperature. Crucially, it requires no external energy input, and the chemical reagents involved can be reused for subsequent batches of electronic waste. This contrasts with traditional methods that often involve high temperatures or corrosive acids, generating hazardous waste.
Value and Use of Extracted Gold

Electronic waste contains a significant, though often overlooked, amount of gold. For instance, each Bank of England office phone processed by the Royal Mint contains approximately 30 milligrammes of gold, valued at around £3. Similarly, a modern smartphone holds about £4 worth of gold. This precious metal is incorporated into electronic circuits due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion. The gold recovered by the Royal Mint undergoes refining to enhance its purity before being used to create jewellery for their "886" brand.
The Royal Mint's Comprehensive Recycling Approach

Beyond gold, the Royal Mint also recovers and utilises recycled silver, some of which is sourced from old radios provided by British hospitals. Their process begins with the dismantling of electronic devices. Components like copper, tantalum, and plastic are meticulously sorted and then supplied to specialist recycling firms. This comprehensive approach ensures that various materials from the e-waste stream are appropriately managed and repurposed.
Environmental and Economic Context of E-Waste Recycling

Globally, the proper recycling of electronic waste remains a challenge, with only 22.3 per cent of e-waste being collected and recycled effectively in 2022, according to United Nations data. Improper disposal can lead to environmental contamination from substances like lead and mercury. However, the rising price of gold, which reached record highs amid economic uncertainty, has increasingly incentivised the development and adoption of commercially viable recovery methods like Excir's.

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Which company patented the gold extraction process used by the Royal Mint?

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