IIT-BHU professor unveils technology to recover 100 pc copper, 92 pc gold from e-waste
Professor Kamlesh Kumar Singh of the Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), presented his research on recycling electronic waste at the international scientific conference “Geo-Sustainability BRICS-2026” held in Nalchik, Russia.
His research describes a technology to recover 100 per cent copper and 92 per cent gold from electronic waste.The theme of the conference, held from September 23 to 25, was “Geophysical processes, environmental sustainability, and prudent management of natural resources in an era of global change.”
It was organised by Kabardino-Balkarian State University and the High-Mountain Geophysical Institute. The conference received official support from the BRICS Expert Council of Russia.Prof Singh was invited as a plenary speaker at the conference and was also made a member of the International Scientific Committee.He presented research on the topic of “Recycling Electronic Waste for Sustainable Environmental Management.”
According to the research, printed circuit boards (PCBs) used in electronic devices are an important source of valuable metals such as gold, silver, copper, and tantalum. They also contain toxic elements such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated materials.
The study recovered 100 per cent copper and 92 percent gold from the de-layered PCBs through leaching and solvent extraction processes. Furthermore, 99 percent manganese was recovered from the tantalum capacitor, with a purity of 99.6 per cent.
The research also demonstrated the effectiveness of polymer inclusion membrane technology for the recovery of trace metals.Prof Singh emphasised the integrated use of technologies such as hydrometallurgy, bio-hydrometallurgy, electrolysis, and solvent extraction to maximise the recovery of valuable metals from electronic waste. This aims to promote better resource utilisation and zero-waste-based sustainable environmental management.
Scientists from various countries, including Russia, India, Brazil, China, South Africa, Turkey, and Uzbekistan, presented research on climate change, environmental sustainability, and natural resource management at the conference.
It was organised by Kabardino-Balkarian State University and the High-Mountain Geophysical Institute. The conference received official support from the BRICS Expert Council of Russia.Prof Singh was invited as a plenary speaker at the conference and was also made a member of the International Scientific Committee.He presented research on the topic of “Recycling Electronic Waste for Sustainable Environmental Management.”
According to the research, printed circuit boards (PCBs) used in electronic devices are an important source of valuable metals such as gold, silver, copper, and tantalum. They also contain toxic elements such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated materials.
Scientists from various countries, including Russia, India, Brazil, China, South Africa, Turkey, and Uzbekistan, presented research on climate change, environmental sustainability, and natural resource management at the conference.
