UK. When gold from electronic waste is recycled into collectibles

The Royal Mint, the public institution responsible for minting money in the United Kingdom, has opened a factory to recover precious metals from electronic waste and transform them into collectible coins or jewelry. “This new facility represents a sustainable source of precious metals and reduces reliance on mines,” the Royal Mint explained on Wednesday.

Up to half a ton of gold

The Royal Mint hopes to recycle up to 4,000 tonnes of electronic circuits from old computers, phones and TVs each year, which would allow it to recycle half a tonne of gold, 1,000 tonnes of copper and 2.5 tonnes of currency each year.

Preserving jobs

Coin use is declining, particularly in the UK, where cash usage has fallen sharply since the pandemic as contactless card payments and online shopping have taken off.

The Royal Mint therefore emphasises that opening this facility is part of the diversification of its activities and the retention of jobs. “The Royal Mint is transforming itself for the future and the opening of our precious metals recycling facility marks a key moment in this trajectory,” commented Anne Jessopp, Managing Director of The Royal Mint.