Gold Recovery Challenges from Electronic Waste: Opportunities and Hurdles

Due to customer expectations for more functionality and design, technology is advancing quickly and widely, which has resulted in the creation of complex electronic and electrical gadgets with limited lifespans. The significant generation of electronic garbage, or “e-waste,” which reached an astounding 50 million tons in 2018 and is expected to rise yearly at a pace of 3-5%, exceeding that of other types of garbage by three times, is an unavoidable byproduct of this trend. Although stated estimates vary, recycling rates often range from 20 to 30 percent. Interestingly, more than 70% of the world's waste electronics - electrical products (WEEE) ends up in China, Africa, ‐‐ India where it is reprocessed using antiquated, dangerous, and ineffective processes and often via unofficial routes. The environment and human lives are seriously threatened by this uncontrolled disposal, which includes burning and dumping. Lead, mercury, nickel, nickel, beryllium, arsenic, and scorpion are among the harmful heavy metals that are released into the water, soil, and air cycles by such operations.