Closed loop system for cleaner production in recovery of metal values from electronic scrap in support of the WEEE initative
This project was a collaboration between Specialised Metals Ltd. (SML), a company involved in precious metals recovery, and Inter-Euro Technology Ltd. (IET), a company providing a specialised environmental service to electroplating and other surface treatment companies.
SML had a particular electronic scrap material – copper nickel plated pins – which contained a significant percentage of gold. In laboratory experiments for anodic dissolution, gold was recovered as thin flakes from the gold pins.
The laboratory results with selective leaching agents for the gold pins were good with a much higher proportion of gold in the leachate compared with copper and nickel. However there were difficulties in recycling the leachate and recovering the gold.
For further details, download the Specialised Metals PDF.
