The Royal Mint has inaugurated a groundbreaking facility in south Wales, designed to extract gold from electronic waste. The operation is poised to process up to 4,000 tonnes of circuit boards annually, sourced from devices such as phones, laptops, and TVs, with a view to supporting sustainable jewellery production.
This state-of-the-art installation, under development since March 2022, signifies a pivotal evolution in electronic waste management within the United Kingdom. Leveraging over 1,100 years of expertise in coin production, the Royal Mint plans to utilise the reclaimed gold in its exclusive 886 jewellery range. This high-end collection, unveiled in 2022, includes rings, necklaces, and earrings, available both online and at a boutique in London’s Burlington Arcade, Mayfair.
The gold recovery process at this facility comprises two distinct phases. Initially, components and metals are separated from the circuit boards at a designated plant. Following this, the gold-laden pieces are transported to the south Wales site, where they undergo processing using a patented chemical technique developed by Excir, a Canadian clean technology firm. This innovative method employs a spinning drum to bathe the circuitry in a specialised acid solution, effectively dissolving the gold in a mere four minutes. Notably, this represents a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional high-temperature extraction methods.
To produce a single 7.5g gold ring from the 886 collection, approximately 600 mobile phones must be processed. The Royal Mint envisions expanding the application of the recovered gold beyond jewellery to include other business segments, such as the creation of commemorative coins. This new initiative is integral to the Royal Mint’s broader strategy to diversify its operations in response to the declining usage of cash.
Owned entirely by the UK Treasury, the Royal Mint contributes an annual dividend to the government, with remaining profits reinvested into the business. Anne Jessopp, Chief Executive of the Royal Mint, stated, “The Royal Mint is transforming for the future, and the opening of our precious metals recovery factory marks a pivotal step in our journey.”
The Royal Mint’s new facility in south Wales represents a significant stride towards sustainable gold recovery from e-waste. By integrating advanced technological methods and diversifying into new markets, the Royal Mint continues to adapt to evolving economic environments while contributing to environmental sustainability.
