New toxin-free method extracts precious metal from ore, e-waste

Researchers at Flinders University, led by Professor Justin Chalker, have developed an innovative, toxin-free method to extract high-purity gold from ore and electronic waste. This new approach uses a low-cost, environmentally benign compound called trichloroisocyanuric acid—commonly used in water treatment—that, when activated by saltwater, dissolves gold effectively. The dissolved gold is then selectively captured by a specially designed sulfur-rich polymer, which is synthesized using a sustainable UV light-initiated process. Importantly, the polymer can be recycled after gold recovery, enhancing the method’s environmental credentials and reducing waste. This technique addresses the significant environmental and health hazards posed by traditional gold extraction methods that rely on toxic chemicals like cyanide and mercury. By providing a safer alternative, especially for small-scale mining operations that often use mercury, the new method has the potential to reduce mercury pollution globally. Additionally, it offers a promising solution to the growing challenge of electronic waste, which contains valuable metals but