All objects that contain gold

The electronic industries use gold for its conductivity capabilities, but also because gold has the ability not to oxidize. It is therefore an ideal metal for all computer, console and telephone type equipment.

Thousands of products are manufactured every day, which leads to a large consumption of gold, and therefore a significant purchasing budget for companies. To limit the cost and implement a recycling approach, industries recycle gold using chemical processes.

The University of Edinburgh has created a recovery process which consists of dissociating the gold from all the other elements present, notably using chemicals. At the same time, the CNRS is exploring another avenue, which does not destroy the other precious metals contained in computers. So, in addition to finding gold, manufacturers could also recover silver or palladium.

In all cases, the process is long, expensive and dangerous. This is why recycling is still in a development phase, and can only be carried out by companies which have the means to implement these systems.

However, the gold contained in our computers can be recovered by anyone. For this, there are wikihows tutorials. Thus, you find several methods for extracting gold from the different components. But be careful, the solutions presented are more or less dangerous and require precautions to guarantee the integrity of those present.

The quantity of gold contained in electronic products intended for recycling represents the equivalent of 10% of global gold production. Recycling gold is therefore a real challenge for manufacturers and the protection of the environment.

Where is the gold in a computer ?

Electronic devices use gold to ensure optimal electrical conductivity. This is why we find gold in motherboards, pins, connectors, beaches and everything that must ensure good conduction. We can recognize elements made of gold by their color and their location. Batteries are also objects made of gold, particularly at the connection plugs. However, care should be taken when handling them to avoid damaging them and injuring yourself.

Recover gold with nitric acid

People who wish to engage in the recovery of gold contained in electronic products must equip themselves with adequate protection. Gloves, glasses, overalls and filtering masks are mandatory to avoid poisoning or burning yourself.

Nitric acid dissolves the components while keeping the gold intact, unlike aqua regia. So, place the broken electronic components in a glass dish, such as Pyrex, then carefully add the nitric acid. You must then mix until you obtain a completely liquid result. Only the gold remains intact throughout the separation process. Once you're done, pour the acid and contents into another Pyrex container, straining it. You then recover the gold. If any clumps persist, separate them by hand.

Many precautions must be taken throughout the separation: protective equipment, ventilation of the space, etc. If you do not follow them, you risk poisoning, burns and other serious disappointments.

Separate the elements with fire

The fire method requires less material, and no chemicals are used. However, you should also wear a mask, protective goggles, high-quality gloves and overalls. Also be sure to ventilate the separation area and provide everything necessary in case of flying embers.

Start by placing the printed circuit on a metal covering. Then, once the flammable liquid has been poured, set it on fire. Once the component is burned on all surfaces, all you have to do is separate the gold from the other elements.

Objects that contain gold are computers, tablets, smartphones and all products that use printed circuits, motherboards or special connectors.

In a tonne of ore, gold companies are able to recover between 4 and 5 grams of gold. However, in the recycling of electronic components, the quantity is larger, around 200 grams. The motherboards alone could generate up to 800 times the quantity of gold extracted, which represents a financial advantage but above all an environmental one.

Another object is just as sold and used: the cell phone. It is estimated that there are more than 100 million unrecycled phones in the world, which also contain gold. In fact, the components are identical in their structure to those used by computers. Motherboards or connections, gold remains the most efficient metal for conducting electricity throughout the life of the product.

Thus, we can recover up to 50 milligrams of gold for a smartphone weighing 200 grams. As a reminder: gold has a price of approximately 50 euros per gram. However, smartphone recycling requires specific skills, capabilities and tools.

Companies specializing in the treatment and recycling of waste guarantee the extraction of gold and other precious metals in optimal conditions. The products used are themselves recycled, to guarantee a low ecological impact. Whether using chemicals or very high temperatures, the process requires special installations to provide maximum safety for personnel.

At home, you can also dismantle your old phones to try to recover the gold. However, you must be extremely careful about compounds, fumes, heat and corrosion. Only trained people are able to separate the elements from gold.