Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed an environmentally friendly technology for recovering gold and copper from discarded phones, computers, and other electronic devices. The university has granted an exclusive license for the technology to the Australian company Lithium Universe. Known as GCDE (Gold Copper Diamide Extraction), the process enables the selective recovery of valuable metals from waste using organic compounds, without the need for cyanide, mercury, or high-temperature processing.
Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. By 2030, global e-waste volumes could reach 93.5 million tonnes, yet only about one-fifth is currently recycled using environmentally responsible methods. At the same time, these discarded devices contain significant quantities of valuable materials: one tonne of typical electronic scrap may contain approximately $46,000 worth of gold and another $2,000 worth of copper.
Traditional e-waste recycling generally relies either on smelting at temperatures above 1,200°C or on aggressive acid leaching techniques. Both approaches are energy-intensive and can cause substantial environmental pollution. The new GCDE process takes a different approach. It is a low-temperature hydrometallurgical method that uses small organic molecules, known as ligands, which act as “molecular magnets” to selectively attract and recover gold first and copper afterward. The entire process operates under mild conditions without toxic reagents or organic solvents.
According to Professor Jason Love, one of the technology’s developers, electronic waste represents a form of “high-grade urban ore.” The goal of the research was to create a chemical process capable of safely and selectively extracting valuable metals while avoiding the energy consumption and environmental impacts associated with conventional smelting.
Lithium Universe plans to integrate the GCDE technology into its precious metals recycling division, which already recovers silver from end-of-life solar panels. Executive Chairman Iggy Tan described the licensing agreement as a strategic move that strengthens the company’s position in advanced recycling technologies. He noted that combining selective metal recovery with sustainable processing methods will help the company establish a strong presence in the circular economy market for gold, silver, and copper.
The Edinburgh team’s innovation has the potential to transform growing volumes of hazardous electronic waste into a valuable source of raw materials without causing additional harm to the environment.
Source: Mining.com
mage: Christian Thompson
