The Royal Mint, responsible for producing the UK’s coins, has started processing electronic waste to extract gold. They’ve built a large plant in Llantrisant, Wales, to recover gold from old circuit boards. Initially, the extracted gold will be used for crafting jewelry, and later, for making commemorative coins.
E-waste, which includes old phones, computers, and TVs, is a rapidly increasing issue, with the UN reporting that 62 million tonnes were discarded in 2022. This number is expected to grow by about a third by 2030.
At the Royal Mint facility, circuit boards are processed through heating to remove components, which are then sorted and separated for gold content. The head of sustainability, Inga Doak, refers to this as “urban mining,” extracting valuable gold from waste products.
The gold-bearing pieces are treated with a chemical solution that leaches out the gold, which is then filtered and heated to form pure gold nuggets. This method is energy-efficient and recyclable, contrasting with traditional, more energy-intensive and toxic processes, according to Leighton John, the operations director.
The Royal Mint aims to process over 4,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, which could yield up to 450kg of gold, valued at around £27 million. This move into e-waste processing marks a significant shift for the company, historically known for coin production. With declining cash usage, this diversification helps preserve jobs. CEO Anne Jessopp highlights the transition as an opportunity to repurpose staff from coin production to e-waste processing.
In addition to gold, the company is exploring the use of other materials from the circuit boards, such as aluminum, copper, tin, and steel, and investigating potential applications in the construction industry for the ground-up boards.
The Royal Mint’s innovative approach to processing e-waste not only helps address the growing environmental challenge but also represents a strategic shift in its business operations. This pivot is crucial as traditional coin production declines, driven by the decreasing use of cash in everyday transactions.
CEO Anne Jessopp emphasizes the importance of this transition: “Diversification was necessary, and moving into e-waste processing presented an ideal opportunity to retain our workforce. With fewer people required for coin production, we could redeploy them to this new venture, preserving jobs and ensuring their expertise is utilized.”
The Royal Mint is also focused on sustainability beyond gold recovery. The extracted materials from circuit boards, such as aluminum, copper, tin, and steel, have potential applications in various industries. The company is exploring innovative ways to repurpose these materials, including possible uses in construction, which could further enhance its environmental impact and business model.
This strategic move is underscored by the broader context of e-waste management globally. The UN’s 2024 report highlights the UK as the second-largest producer of e-waste per capita, second only to Norway. By processing e-waste domestically, the Royal Mint not only reduces the environmental footprint associated with shipping waste overseas but also retains valuable resources within the UK.
Leighton John, the operations director, notes the significance of this local processing: “Keeping e-waste within the UK allows us to utilize these elements here, supporting the domestic economy and reducing our reliance on foreign processing facilities. It’s a critical step in creating a more sustainable and self-sufficient approach to e-waste management.”
The Royal Mint’s venture into e-waste processing is a testament to its adaptability and commitment to sustainability. By leveraging innovative technologies and processes, the company is poised to address a pressing environmental issue while securing its future in an evolving market landscape. As the initiative progresses, it has the potential to set a precedent for other organizations and industries, demonstrating the viability and benefits of urban mining and resource recovery.
