Innovative Methods in Gold Extraction and Recycling: From Traditional to Smart

Gold, as one of the most precious metals, plays a vital role in electronics, medicine, and global economics. With rising global demand and the depletion of primary mineral resources, the focus has shifted toward innovative methods of extraction and recycling. This paper explores the transition from traditional gold extraction techniques—such as cyanidation, amalgamation, and leaching—to advanced technologies based on nanotechnology, bioleaching, and electrochemical methods. The primary aim is to analyze the environmental and economic challenges of conventional approaches and to introduce opportunities for recovery from secondary sources such as electronic waste (e-waste) and urban mining. The methodology is based on a comprehensive literature review from ۲۰۲۰ to ۲۰۲۵, comparing efficiency, cost, time, and environmental impact of various methods, and examining case studies such as gold recovery from obsolete mobile phones. Results indicate that modern techniques can enhance extraction efficiency up to ۹۵%, reduce costs by up to ۵۰%, and lower pollution by up to ۹۹% compared to traditional methods. The significance of this research lies in offering sustainable solutions to reduce dependency on primary mines and promote a circular economy. This approach not only aligns with sustainable development goals but also holds high commercialization potential, providing valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders.

Keywords:

Gold Extraction , Innovative Methods , Bioleaching , Hydrometallurgy , Sustainable Mining