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How to Extract Gold From Old Computers

You can extract gold from old computers by sending them to a precious metals refinery. If you gather together a large quantity of old computers, you can recover enough gold to make a profit. Almost all the gold is located on the connectors, the fingers (parts that attach to the connectors) and the integrated circuits. Extracting it yourself is not a good idea because it involves handling toxic chemicals and can be dangerous. But by removing the gold out of old computers, you are keeping a precious metal out of a landfill.

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver
Pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all plastic parts from the computer by using a screwdriver and pliers and send the plastic to your local electronics recycler. Remove just the fingers, the integrated circuit boards and the finger connectors and set them aside.
- 2
  Contact several precious metals refineries like Metallix Refining or Global Investment Recovery (see Resources) to find out how much they pay for scrap gold from electronics.Thomasnet.com has a list of precious metal refineries listed by state. Refining companies make offers to buy the gold, taking their commission up front.
- 3
  Deliver your scrap gold electronics to the refinery in person and ask to watch the refining process, if possible.
- 4
  Allow the refinery to melt down the gold, determine its purity, weigh it and make an offer.
- 5
  Find out the day's price of gold (called "spot" price) before deciding whether to accept the refinery's offer. You can find this information at goldprice.org.

Rocks & Minerals