The global surge in electronic waste (e-waste) is driving innovation in sustainable gold extraction methods. Researchers are developing environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional mining, which often uses harmful chemicals.
Several advancements highlight this trend. Flinders University in Australia uses trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) and a sulfur-rich polymer to recover gold from e-waste. ETH Zurich employs denatured whey proteins for gold capture, offering an efficient and eco-friendly approach.
The Royal Mint in the United Kingdom opened a facility to process e-waste, utilizing patented chemistry to extract high-purity gold. These developments contribute to a circular economy and reduce reliance on traditional mining practices.