Technology

New Factory Extracting Gold from E-Waste Unveiled by The Royal Mint

Published

2 months ago

August 6, 2024

Up to 4,000 tonnes of Printed Circuit Boards from e-waste to be processed by The Royal Mint annually.Recovered, high purity gold will reduce the dependence on traditional mining activity and encourage more sustainable industry practices.The Royal Mint’s latest business venture will create new jobs and safeguard manufacturing roles for the future.

LLANTRISANT, Wales, Aug. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A pioneering new factory that provides a more sustainable source of gold and reduces reliance on mining has been unveiled by The Royal Mint.

Located at its site in south Wales, the 3,700 square metre facility uses world-first patented chemistry from Canadian clean tech company Excir, extracting gold from printed circuit boards (PCBs) found in everyday items, such as TVs, laptops and mobile phones, in minutes. Excir’s chemistry works at room temperature, creating a more energy efficient and cost-effective method of gold recovery.

The factory has scaled the innovative technology from laboratory to an industrial level for the first time and has the capacity to process up to 4,000 tonnes of PCBs from e-waste every year. It provides the UK’s oldest company with a new, more sustainable way to “mine” high-quality 999.9 purity gold. Recovered gold is already being used in the luxury jewellery collection, 886 by The Royal Mint.

According to the United Nations’ Global E-waste Monitor[1], the generation of worldwide e-waste is rising by 2.6 million tonnes every year. A record 62 million tonnes of e-waste was produced in 2022, up 82% from 2010.

The new factory offers a more sustainable solution to this growing environmental challenge. It has been designed to ensure that valuable finite resources are recovered, and other materials are appropriately treated for onward processing.

Anne Jessopp, Chief Executive at The Royal Mint, said: “The Royal Mint is transforming for the future, and the opening of our Precious Metals Recovery factory marks a pivotal step in our journey.

“We are not only preserving finite precious metals for future generations, but we are also preserving the expert craftmanship The Royal Mint is famous for by creating new jobs and reskilling opportunities for our employees.

“We have ambitious plans, and I am proud that we are safeguarding The Royal Mint for another 1,100 years.”

As part of its commitment to being a leader in sustainable precious metals, The Royal Mint has also been actively engaging with major industry bodies to help produce the first standard by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the definition of recycled gold, helping to provide clarity to the industry, end consumer and other stakeholders.

Sean Millard, Chief Growth Officer at The Royal Mint, said: “The factory underpins our commitment to using sustainable precious metals and providing a new source of high quality, recovered gold.

“It allows us to reduce our reliance on mined materials and is another example of how we’re working to decarbonise our operations.

“Our commitment to growth, innovation and circular economy principles shapes an exciting and more sustainable future for The Royal Mint, our people and our communities.”

The decline of cash use globally has been a catalyst for change at The Royal Mint, spurring innovation and diversification. Earlier this year, The Royal Mint announced the closure of its Overseas Currency division. All 230 staff have been offered roles in new and growing business areas including the Precious Metals Recovery factory, sustaining manufacturing roles for the future.

For more information on the Precious Metals Recovery factory, visit Precious Metals Recovery (royalmint.com)

For more information on 886 by The Royal Mint E-Waste Gold, visit Sustainability – 886 Royal Mint

With a history spanning more than 1,100 years, The Royal Mint is Britain’s oldest company and the original maker of UK coins. Today The Royal Mint is a premium British maker, providing carefully crafted coins and precious metal products for the UK and overseas. Based in Llantrisant, South Wales it has three main focuses as a business: UK Currency, Consumer (collectable and rare, historic coins) and Precious Metals Investment.

The Royal Mint has signed an agreement with Canadian clean tech start up, Excir to introduce a world first technology to the UK, which will enable it to safely retrieve and recycle gold and other precious metals from electronic waste.

It is publicly reported that recycled gold is about 10,000x less GHG (greenhouse gas) intensive than mined gold, as reported by the World Gold Council.

The requirements for recycled gold[2] are in development and are being reviewed by the relevant International Standards Organization (ISO) committee, which The Royal Mint is a part of.

[1] Global e-Waste Monitor 2024: Electronic Waste Rising Five Times Faster than Documented E-waste Recycling | UNITAR
[2] ISO/CD 21261-3 – Jewellery and precious metals — Responsible precious metals — Part 3: Requirements for recycled gold

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SOURCE The Royal Mint

Technology

Summit of Whose Future? Girls Have the Answers: Leaders Must Listen

Published

1 hour ago

September 21, 2024

Young Women Activists Launch “What Girls Want,” Demand World Leaders Put Girls at the Center of Summit of the Future

NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today in New York, more than 50 young women from around the world – including Nobel Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai – gathered to take government to task for failing to prioritize girls and young women in the upcoming Summit of the Future. The group is backed by acoalition of girl-centered non-profit organizations, institutions, and funds who synthesized the demands of girls at www.whatgirlswant.com.

At a demonstration near the UN, alongside life-size cutouts of world leaders dressed ironically as “girl experts”, the activists delivered a strong message: world leaders aren’t the experts on what girls want for their futures – girls are.

Eylül Erçin, 19, from Türkiye, shared: “The time has passed for girls and young women to be treated as mere afterthoughts. Leaders must include us in the foundational design of these processes, ensuring that our priorities are integrated into shaping the future we will inherit. Anything less is unacceptable.”

Today’s event is about more than calling out a process failure. Girls i from around the world delivered a forward-looking call to action this week. They expect governments, institutions, and community leaders to step up and help shape a more equitable future.

Alongside fellow activists, Malala said: “Even at 27, I know better than to assume I understand best what girls want. Everywhere I go, girls are eager to share their vision for their futures. As adults, it is our job to listen, fund their work and follow their lead. It is not too late for world leaders to do right by girls. They can start by prioritizing their demands in tomorrow’s final Summit deliberations and by investing resources to match their words.”

The evidence is clear: investing in girls and delivering on their rights transforms economies, societies, and the environment, advancing the SDGs and building a future that girls deserve.

About What Girls Want

This effort was produced by a collaboration of girl-centered organizations, institutions, funders, and allies. The campaign is anchored around work to collate insights, data, and stories from 20+ public consultations with girls and young women over the past decade, driven by a shared desire to center girls’ demands in spaces where they are being ignored.

Contact:

whatgirlswantpress@gmail.com

nate.powers@edelman.com

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Technology

48-Hour Saudi Visa Processing, Major Discounts and Unmissable Giveaways – Only at ‘Spectacular Saudi’ in Mumbai

Published

3 hours ago

September 21, 2024

NEW DELHI, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Saudi’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ is hosting its first-ever immersive consumer event ‘Spectacular Saudi’, from September 25 to October 2, from 2:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. at R2 Ground in BKC, Mumbai.

Slated to transport visitors straight to the Heart of Arabia; the 8-day immersive experience will give visitors a glimpse into Saudi’s many wonders and iconic experiences – all while extending the warm Saudi welcome. To give consumers a truly memorable experience Saudi is offering exclusive giveaways and discounts specially curated for Indian travellers.

What’s more, Indian travellers can fast-track their Saudi visas exclusively at the event. All you need is a valid Visa or Mastercard credit card! Head on over to one of eight dedicated Tasheer kiosks, ensure the name on the credit card matches the passport, and have sufficient funds available on the card. After that, sit back and relax as your visa will be in hand within 48 hours!

It has never been easier to visit Saudi. With the most seamless visa process offered to date, the excitement doesn’t end there. On the travel front, SAUDIA Airlines is offering special deals, including a buy one get 50% off on the second ticket if travelling business class. Additionally, all economy class tickets will be 15% off. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in daily giveaways for free flight tickets for two to Saudi. With over 50+ travel trade offers, visitors can access incredible cashback and discounts on Saudi travel packages. Additionally, those booking Saudi packages will enjoy complimentary cultural city tours. Group tour packages to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam will be available exclusively at the event, starting at INR 99,999 for 5 nights.

Visitors can expect unique immersive experiences–including exhibits, culinary delights, Ardah dancers, Saudi coffee, traditional scents, and fashion–all under one roof. So don’t miss out and register here to experience a piece of Saudi, right in the heart of Mumbai.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2511104/Spectacular_Saudi.jpg

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Technology

Indian Cancer Genome Atlas Launches the Country’s First Comprehensive Cancer Multi-Omics Data Portal

Published

3 hours ago

September 21, 2024

Offers open access to cancer data for research

NEW DELHI, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) has launched India’s first comprehensive cancer multi-omics data portal. This pioneering platform provides open access to clinically correlated data from Indian cancer patients, aimed at transforming cancer research and treatment for Indian populations.

Historically, cancer treatments in India have been based on Western data sets. However, cancers in Indian patients can differ significantly at the molecular level. ICGA’s mission is to create Indian-specific datasets to help researchers and clinicians develop personalized treatment protocols. This new open-access portal represents a monumental step in revolutionizing cancer research, specifically for Indian patients.

The ICGA cancer multi-omics portal is the first in India to offer data that includes DNA, RNA, and protein profiles of breast cancer patients, integrated with clinical outcomes. Currently, the platform consists of data from 50 breast cancer patients, with plans to expand to over 500 patients in the coming year. This data is freely accessible to the global research community under India’s PRIDE guidelines, which promote ethical sharing and collaboration in cancer research.

Key Highlights of this portal include:

India’s First Cancer Multi-Omics Data Portal: A comprehensive resource that offers detailed multi-omics data for breast cancer patients, including genomic and proteomic information.Based on cBioPortal Platform: Derived from the internationally recognized cBioPortal, this platform ensures seamless integration with global cancer research efforts.Initial Dataset from 50 Indian Patients: Provides clinically annotated DNA, RNA, and protein profiles, along with treatment histories and patient outcomes, with an aim to scale up to 500 in a year.Free Access Under PRIDE Guidelines: Adhering to responsible and ethical data-sharing practices, the portal is freely accessible to the scientific community.A Step Toward Precision Oncology for Indian Patients: This initiative is designed to enable the development of personalized cancer treatments tailored to Indian patients.Call for Collaboration: ICGA invites researchers worldwide to contribute and expand the platform, fostering global collaboration in cancer research.

Professor Shekhar C. Mande, Former DG-CSIR, Currently Senior Professor at Savitribai Phule Pune University
“Making this invaluable cancer data publicly accessible marks a pivotal step in accelerating scientific discoveries and enhancing patient outcomes. By openly sharing this data, we are empowering researchers, clinicians, and innovators to collaborate, explore new frontiers, and drive transformative breakthroughs in cancer treatment.”

Joint Statement from Dr JC Zenklusen – Director of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) at the NCI, NIH, USA, and Prof Sunil Badve – Vice Chair, Pathology Cancer Programs, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
“Fifteen years ago, when we launched TCGA, we could not have foreseen the remarkable progress cancer research would make. It is incredibly exciting to see ICGA advancing so rapidly and taking bold steps in revolutionizing cancer research. Understanding the genome of cancer patients will improve the treatment of Indians not only in India but also worldwide. We, both, encourage others with similar data to actively contribute to ICGA, so this initiative can grow even faster and drive greater breakthroughs.”

Dr. Anand Deshpande, Chairman and Managing Director at Persistent, and Non-Executive Director at ICGA
“We have made an excellent start with this groundbreaking multi-omics cancer portal. Cancer touches all of us, and the need for more effective, personalized treatments—especially tailored to the unique genetic and environmental factors in India—is urgent. This portal will empower researchers with crucial data to advance customized cancer research for better treatment outcomes. I encourage everyone to contribute and support this vital cause, helping us accelerate progress in the fight against cancer.”

About Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA):
The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) is a national initiative focused on mapping the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic landscapes of cancers across India. As a section 8 not-for-profit organization, the ICGA Foundation, operates through a public-private-philanthropic partnership, with active support from over 50 clinicians, researchers, and data analysts. Its mission is to enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment for Indian patients and contribute to the global understanding of cancer biology. The foundation’s first project focuses on the multi-omics profiling of breast cancer, with plans to extend this effort to other types of cancer in the future.

https://www.icga.in/

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