In a move towards sustainability and resource recovery, The Royal Mint has launched a state-of-the-art factory in South Wales designed to extract gold from electronic waste. The facility will process up to 4,000 tonnes of circuit boards each year, sourced from discarded electronics like phones, laptops, and TVs.
The recovered gold will primarily be used for the Mint's 886 jewelry collection, a luxury line launched in 2022. The extraction process involves two steps: first, the circuit boards are processed to separate components and metals, and then the gold-containing pieces are sent to the new factory.
The factory utilizes patented technology from Canadian clean-tech firm Excir, employing a unique chemical process to dissolve gold in a matter of minutes. This method is more energy-efficient and less time-consuming than traditional gold extraction techniques.
This initiative not only provides a sustainable source of gold for the Royal Mint but also contributes to the circular economy by reducing the need for mining and mitigating the environmental impact of electronic waste.
The Royal Mint plans to expand the use of recovered gold to other products in the future, including commemorative coins. This project is part of the Mint's ongoing efforts to diversify its business and adapt to the changing landscape of currency usage.
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