Current trends in gold recovery from electronic wastes

Sabapathy Manigandan, K. S. Rajmohan, Sunita Varjani

Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary WorksRGC 12 - Chapter in an edited book (Author)peer-review

Abstract

Electronic wastes (e-wastes) refer to abandoned electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). E-waste contains significant concentration of gold which is 10 times more than its concentration in gold ores. It approximately contains 10-10, 000g of gold/ton, whereas the gold ore contains barely 0.5-13.5g of gold/ton. In this chapter, insights on the importance of precious metal recovery (PMR) from e-waste are emphasized. Also, an overview of various technologies available to recover precious metals from e-waste was presented and the hydrometallurgy process was emphasized in view of economic and environmental aspects. Hydrometallurgical techniques involving leaching and purification have been discussed by analyzing the pros and cons of potential leaching reagents such as cyanide, halide, thiourea, and thiosulfate. A useful discussion on current technological advancements in the field of PMR from e-waste is included to understand the progress made by industries and technologists. In addition, the future scope of PMR pertaining to the small-scale recovery of gold from low karatage gold jewelry and industrial scraps is provided. © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCurrent Developments in Biotechnology and Bioengineering
Subtitle of host publicationResource Recovery from Wastes
EditorsSunita Varjani, Ashok Pandey, Edgard Gnansounou, Samir Kumar Khanal, Sindhu Raveendran
PublisherElsevier
Pages307-325
Number of pages19
ISBN (Electronic)9780444643223
ISBN (Print)9780444643216
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameCurrent Developments in Biotechnology and Bioengineering

Research Keywords

  • E-Waste
  • Gold recovery
  • Hydrometallurgy
  • Printed circuit boards
  • Recycling
  • Secondary sources

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