# Gold Recovery Plant to Extract 450kg Annually in Wales
## The Royal Mint’s new factory in South Wales is set to recover up to 450kg of gold worth £27m each year from electronic waste.
### The Royal Mint’s Sustainable Venture
The new facility, located in Llantrisant, will process around 4,000 tonnes of printed circuit boards from discarded tech items annually. This initiative aims to reduce e-waste globally while creating a sustainable approach to gold extraction.
### Innovative Extraction Process
The factory, working with Canadian company Excir, utilises a unique process to extract gold from circuit boards found in common devices like TVs, laptops, and phones. This method dissolves precious metals in a special acid mix in just four minutes at low temperatures, enhancing sustainability.
### Environmental Impact and Sustainability
The move aligns with global efforts to address the rising e-waste challenge, with the UK alone producing an estimated 25kg per capita. The factory’s energy-efficient operations and recycling practices further enhance its environmentally conscious approach towards precious metal recovery.
### Future Outlook
Anne Jessopp, CEO of The Royal Mint, highlighted the company’s commitment to preserving valuable resources for future generations. The venture not only aims to recover precious metals but also provides employment opportunities and upskills existing staff.
In conclusion, The Royal Mint’s gold recovery plant represents a significant step towards sustainable precious metal extraction, addressing environmental concerns while ensuring resource preservation.
*[Source: Wales Online](URL)*