Gold from E-Waste: How 24K Pure Gold Is Extracted from Old Mobile Phones | NZ Tech & Recycling

Thu, 29 May 2025 20:19:46 +1200

Ever wondered what happens to your old mobile phone after you toss it out? In this jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes look, watch as 24K pure gold is extracted from wasted smartphones using advanced factory-scale methods. With millions of devices discarded annually, this process is revolutionising e-waste recycling—and it has powerful implications for New Zealand’s sustainability and tech innovation sectors.

As Aotearoa strives toward a circular economy, the gold hidden in our devices presents a unique opportunity for Kiwi entrepreneurs, green tech startups, and resource recovery specialists. With gold prices at record highs, extracting valuable metals from e-waste could become a significant offshore investment and local industry opportunity.

This video breaks down the mass production techniques used in industrial-scale factories to reclaim gold—techniques that could inspire future recycling infrastructure in NZ urban centres like Auckland and Wellington. It's also a wake-up call for Kiwi consumers: that old iPhone or Android lying in your drawer may be far more valuable than you think.

Perfect for viewers interested in green technology, urban mining, precious metal recovery, and sustainable manufacturing, this gold extraction process showcases how global innovation can spark local action in New Zealand.