Don't throw it away! It may contain 22-karat gold: Scientists successfully extract the mineral from electronic waste.

A scientific discovery promises to transform the management of electronic waste and the recovery of precious metals.

Researchers at Flinders University in Australia and ETH Zurich in Switzerland have developed innovative processes that allow gold with over 99% purity to be extracted from discarded components, reducing environmental impact and associated costs.

According to El Cronista, the Australian team replaced the use of cyanide, one of the most controversial substances in mining due to its toxicity, with trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA), commonly used in water disinfection.

The innovation is complemented by a sulfur polymer that selectively adheres to dissolved gold , allowing it to be recovered in a pure state after a controlled heating or chemical treatment process.

This material can be reused, making the process a sustainable and economical alternative to traditional refining techniques.

Meanwhile, researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method for obtaining 22-karat gold from electronic waste , expanding the possibilities for utilizing materials that typically end up in landfills.

Initial results indicate that this breakthrough could have a dual effect: reducing environmental risks associated with the handling of hazardous substances and generating economic opportunities in sectors such as technological waste management, chemical engineering, and industrial sustainability.

Among the most notable benefits, specialists point out:

If its large-scale application is confirmed, the discovery would represent a paradigm shift in the extraction of precious metals , with a cleaner, safer model aligned with sustainability principles.

*This content was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on publicly available information released to media outlets. It was also reviewed by a journalist and an editor.

DIGITAL REACH EDITORIAL