A tech blogger from Guangdong, China, has captured attention by claiming to have extracted 191.73 grams of gold, equivalent to over 5 taels, from discarded SIM cards and old electronic components. A video documenting the “gold refining” process quickly went viral on social media, sparking curiosity and debate among viewers.
According to the shared content, the blogger employed a metallurgical process involving the dissolution of electronic components in strong acid, followed by electrolysis to isolate precious metals. Many were astonished, with some even remarking that “a decade of hard work pales in comparison to a year of scavenging scrap,” upon learning that SIM cards could yield gold.
However, experts have pointed out several inconsistencies. The video suggests each SIM card contains approximately 0.02 grams of gold, while the actual amount is closer to 0.47 milligrams. This would require nearly 400,000 SIM cards to achieve the claimed 192 grams, casting doubt on the feasibility of the story.
The viral video showcases the Chinese blogger’s process of extracting gold from discarded SIM cards and old electronic components.
Extracting precious metals from electronic circuit boards requires advanced technology and strict control conditions.
Amid the controversy, the blogger clarified that the materials used were not standard SIM cards but specialized gold-plated scrap chips from the telecommunications industry. “I’m not just extracting gold from discarded SIMs. This is a professional e-waste recycling process to recover precious metals, highlighting the economic and environmental value of recycling,” they asserted, denying any intention to create a publicity stunt.
Nevertheless, experts caution the public against attempting similar processes at home. Gold extraction involves corrosive chemicals and poses risks of fire, safety hazards, and severe environmental pollution if not properly managed.
From a research perspective, scientists at the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion (Chinese Academy of Sciences) and South China University of Technology recently unveiled a novel metal extraction method. This technology enables the recovery of up to 98% of gold from old phones at approximately one-third the market price of gold.
The research team calculates that 10 kg of discarded circuit boards can yield about 1.4 grams of gold, with total costs around $72. This translates to roughly $1,455 per ounce, significantly lower than current global gold prices. Notably, the entire extraction process takes just 20 minutes, presenting substantial potential for the future of e-waste recycling.
