Refining Gold and Copper from E-waste

In today's era of rapid electronic product replacement, the amount of electronic waste (e-waste) is increasing rapidly. Discarded computer motherboards, mobile phones, and household appliances not only contain a large number of hazardous substances but also valuable metal resources. Gold and copper, in particular, are widely found in circuit boards, connectors, and wires. Recycling them through appropriate processes not only reuses resources but also reduces environmental pollution and generates significant economic benefits.

Precious Metal Refining Machine

Extracting gold and copper from e-waste generally involves several key steps. First, disassembly and sorting remove metal-containing components such as circuit boards, wiring, and power modules. This is followed by crushing and pulverizing, where specialized equipment pulverizes the material into small particles for subsequent separation. Physical separation techniques, such as magnetic separation, eddy current separation, and gravity separation, are then used to effectively separate ferromagnetic metals from non-ferrous metals. During this process, copper can typically be recovered at a high purity, becoming a valuable raw material for reuse.

Gold extraction relies more heavily on chemical methods. Because gold is present in relatively low concentrations on circuit boards, processes such as chemical leaching and electrolytic refining are required to separate it from complex impurities. After refining, high-purity gold can be obtained for use in electronics manufacturing, jewelry processing, and other high-value-added applications. Integrating advanced environmental protection technologies throughout the entire process not only increases metal recovery rates but also prevents secondary environmental pollution from acid and exhaust gases.

In terms of economic value, copper's large and stable recycling volume and widespread application form the foundation for the sustainable development of the recycling industry. Meanwhile, gold, despite its rarity, is extremely valuable, representing a "hidden treasure" in the e-waste recycling chain. The combination of these two factors has transformed e-waste disposal from simply an environmentally friendly activity into a vital industry with both social and economic benefits.