How Do You Extract Precious Metals From Computers?
Recovery of precious metals from computer scrap is a highly specialized process that involves disassembly of the computer, separation of precious-metal-bearing components and a series of chemical processes to recover the metals. It is estimated that old computer scrap contains up to one ounce of gold per ton of scrap, which is similar to the ratio of gold in high grade gold ore mined from the earth. There is specialized equipment available from several vendors to assist with the process. Remove the cover from the computer and remove all of the circuit boards, including the motherboard. Remove any metal brackets, screws, heat sinks, wires, plastic clips or other extra material from the boards. Locate and remove any chips that can be removed, including CPU chips and chips that are soldered onto the boards. These can usually be removed by running a flat-blade screwdriver along the legs or by clipping the legs with cutting pliers. Break off the gold fingers from all of the circuit boards c
