What Mistakes Can Happen when Recycling Gold Scrap?

Recycle and Refine GoldRecycle Precious MetalsRecycling and Refining
Written By Barry Lenson

People tend to think that recovering the gold from gold scrap is a straightforward process. You heat the scrap to a high temperature and then collect the gold that was in it, right?

Well, it’s not that simple. Recycling gold scrap can also be a complex process, and there are several mistakes that can reduce both the quality and the quantity of gold that is obtained during recycling.

Some common mistakes to avoid when recycling gold scrap include:

  • Not properly separating the gold from other metals. Gold is often found in complex alloys with other metals, and it is usually essential to separate them properly before attempting to recycle or extract the gold. Failing to do so can result in contamination of the gold, leading to discolorations and lower quality.

  • Not properly identifying the gold content. Gold scrap can contain widely varying amounts of gold, and it is crucial to accurately determine the gold content before attempting to recycle it. Failing to do so can result in a lower yield of recycled gold, contamination, discoloration, and other problems.

  • Not using the right chemicals. The chemical solutions used in the chemical recycling processes can have a significant impact on the quality of the final product. Using the wrong chemicals or not using them correctly can result in impurities or even damage to the metal.

  • Overheating the metal. Like platinum, gold is sensitive to high temperatures and can become brittle or discolored if heated too much. Overheating can also cause impurities to form, which can affect the quality of the recycled metal, or require additional processing to bring the resulting gold up to high standards. 

  • Not following safety and or environmental precautions. Processing gold requires the use of chemicals and high temperatures, and therefore recycling can be hazardous. Not following safety precautions when handling or processing gold can result in serious injury or illness. In addition, noxious gases can be released into the surrounding air and water. 

To avoid these mistakes, it is essential to work with a gold recycler/refiner that has a thorough understanding of the gold recycling process and follows best practices for handling and processing the metal. 

But here’s the most effective way to avoid mistakes . . . 

Let Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners Test and Process Your Gold Scrap

In other words, work with a reputable gold recycling company like Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners. We specialize in recycling gold and other precious metals and our expertise will result in bigger payouts for you when we recycle your scrap. 

Why not call our gold recovery experts at 800-426-2344?

Barry Lenson
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