From Scrap to Gold: How a Viral Chinese Video Sparked an E-Waste Frenzy
A viral video from China recently set the internet buzzing with a bold claim: a man had successfully extracted gold from discarded SIM cards and electronic waste, turning junk into tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of precious metal. While the story sounds almost alchemical, the reality behind it is both fascinating and sobering.
2/3/20262 min read
The Viral Moment
The video shows a man from Guangdong province, known online as “Qiao,” carefully refining gold from piles of electronic scrap. According to multiple reports, he managed to recover around 191 grams of gold, estimated to be worth nearly US$30,000, from old SIM cards and other gold-plated electronic components.
Once the clip went viral, demand for used SIM cards surged. Some people began stockpiling old cards, hoping to strike gold themselves. The idea that everyday tech waste might hide valuable metals was suddenly front-page news.
What Was Really Going On?
Despite popular assumptions, Qiao did not extract gold from a handful of SIM cards. The process involved nearly two tonnes of electronic waste, including circuit boards and gold-plated chips. SIM cards contain only microscopic traces of gold—far too little to make casual extraction worthwhile.
The gold was recovered using industrial-style chemical processes, including strong acids and controlled heating. This is not a simple melting trick, but a complex and hazardous refining method normally handled by professionals in regulated facilities.
A Warning from the “Alchemist” Himself
Ironically, the man at the center of the viral trend has urged others not to copy him. He emphasized that the chemicals involved are dangerous, the process requires proper equipment, and mistakes can lead to serious injury or environmental harm.
Experts echoed this warning, noting that unlicensed extraction of precious metals from e-waste is illegal in many countries and can cause long-term pollution if done improperly.
Why the Story Still Matters
Beyond the hype, the story highlights a real issue: electronic waste contains valuable resources, and recycling it properly can reduce mining, pollution, and waste. Gold, copper, and other metals are routinely recovered from electronics—but only in controlled, industrial settings.
The viral video may have exaggerated how easy it is, but it also sparked global conversations about sustainability, recycling, and the hidden value of modern technology.
The Bottom Line
Yes, gold can be recovered from electronic waste.
No, it’s not a DIY shortcut to riches.
The real lesson isn’t about getting rich from old SIM cards—it’s about how much value we throw away, and why responsible recycling matters more than viral shortcuts.
Disclaimer: This update is shared based on publicly available information. VOTG News is not responsible for any decisions made based on this news. The image is AI-generated only for illustration