The Royal Mint has announced the development of a new facility in Wales dedicated to extracting sustainable gold from e-waste. Utilising proprietary technology from the Canadian firm Excir, this facility will enable the recovery of high-purity gold from up to 4,000 tonnes of discarded electronic items each year. This initiative represents a significant advancement in the field of e-waste recycling and sustainable resource management.
The facility, spanning 3,700 square metres, marks the first industrial-scale application of Excir's innovative technology. This process is designed to extract 999.9 purity gold from the circuit boards of obsolete electronic devices such as televisions, laptops, and mobile phones. By transforming these electronic discards into valuable raw materials, The Royal Mint is addressing both environmental and economic challenges posed by e-waste.
According to the World Gold Council, recycled gold has an environmental impact that is approximately 10,000 times lower in terms of greenhouse gas emissions compared to gold obtained through traditional mining methods. This substantial reduction in emissions is crucial in the context of global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices.
The Global E-waste Monitor, a publication by the United Nations, underscores the urgency of addressing the burgeoning issue of electronic waste. In 2022, the global production of e-waste reached a record 62 million tonnes, an increase of 82% since 2010. This alarming growth rate highlights the necessity for effective recycling solutions that can mitigate the environmental impacts of e-waste.
A study by Material Focus, a non-profit organisation, reveals the economic potential inherent in e-waste recycling. The study estimates that precious materials such as gold, silver, and copper contained within millions of discarded electronic items could contribute approximately £927 million to the UK economy. This underscores the value recovery potential of e-waste and the importance of developing efficient recycling technologies.
Anne Jessopp, Chief Executive of The Royal Mint, emphasised the transformative potential of this initiative: "The establishment of our Precious Metals Recovery factory represents a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability. By conserving finite precious metals and promoting responsible resource management, we are ensuring the future viability of both our industry and the environment. This project not only preserves our heritage of craftsmanship but also creates new opportunities for employment and skills development."
The decline in the use of physical currency has driven The Royal Mint to innovate and diversify its operations. The recent closure of its overseas currency division, with the redeployment of 230 staff members to new growth areas such as the Precious Metals Recovery factory, exemplifies this strategic shift.
The Royal Mint is collaborating with key industry stakeholders to develop an International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) standard for recycled gold. This initiative aims to establish clear guidelines and enhance transparency within the industry, thereby fostering greater confidence among consumers and stakeholders regarding the sourcing of recycled gold.
Climate Action for Associations specialises in supporting organisations, like our member, the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA)—in leading the way in climate action. The BMRA, which plays a crucial role in recycling waste metals, akin to the innovative efforts of the Royal Mint, benefits from our tailored tools, strategies, and support to foster sustainable practices among its members.
Our tailored approach ensures that your association can effectively guide its community towards a greener future, while also enhancing its own internal sustainability initiatives. With Climate Action for Associations, you can accelerate your industry’s transition to a low-carbon future, making a lasting impact on both the environment and your members' success.
For more information about how joining the CAFA Collective can help your membership plan and implement climate and sustainability policies and practices, visit Climate Action for Associations here.
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