Mrigakshi Dixit of Interesting Engineering reports that Scientists at Flinders University have developed a safer, eco-friendly method to extract high-purity gold from ore, electronic waste, and scientific waste. Using a low-cost water treatment chemical and a recyclable, sulfur-rich polymer, the process eliminates the need for toxic substances such as cyanide and mercury. Led by Professor Justin Chalker, the breakthrough offers a sustainable alternative for gold recovery, particularly from growing e-waste and small-scale mining, and supports a more circular, less polluting economy. He writes:
Researchers have found a greener, safer way to get gold from ore and discarded electronics. This innovative approach promises to cut down on the toxic waste associated with gold extraction.
On June 26, an interdisciplinary team of experts led by Professor Justin Chalker at Flinders University in Australia announced a new approach to recovering high-purity gold from various sources.
These include valuable components found in electronic waste, such as discarded computer circuit boards, mixed-metal waste, and ore concentrates. Interestingly, the method is even effective in recovering trace amounts of gold from scientific waste streams. […]
Apart from being a valuable asset, gold is a key component in electronics, medicine, aerospace, and various other products. The metal is an excellent electrical conductor and remains free from tarnish over time.
That’s why demand for it is high across the world.
Usually, the gold extraction has relied on highly toxic chemicals such as cyanide and mercury. […]
The findings were published in the journal Nature Sustainability.
Read more here.
