Royal Mint: UK’s coin maker turning e-waste into gold

The UK’s Coin Maker Turns E-Waste into Gold The Royal Mint, the UK's official coin manufacturer, has launched a new industrial facility dedicated to extracting gold from electronic waste. This innovative initiative aims to reduce electronic waste and promote sustainability by repurposing the valuable resources found in outdated technology. Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a growing global concern. As technology evolves rapidly, devices become obsolete within a few years, leading to a massive accumulation of discarded electronics. The Royal Mint has recognized the opportunity to tackle this issue while simultaneously creating a new revenue stream. The new plant is designed to extract gold from old circuit boards. These boards contain small amounts of gold that can be recovered through specialized processes. By extracting gold from e-waste, the Royal Mint not only reduces the environmental impact of electronic waste but also taps into a lucrative market for precious metals. The process of extracting gold from circuit boards involves several steps. First, the boards are shredded into small pieces to facilitate further processing. Then, they undergo a series of chemical treatments to remove any contaminants. Finally, the remaining gold is extracted using different techniques, including electrolysis or chemical precipitation. The extracted gold is then purified to meet the Royal Mint's standards for use in coin production. The gold is tested and refined to ensure its quality and purity. Once the gold meets the mint's strict criteria, it can be used in the production of coins or other commemorative items. The Royal Mint's new facility aligns with the growing