A man from Guangdong province in southern China has gone viral after claiming he recovered a large amount of gold from discarded SIM cards and other electronic waste. The man, who runs an online account under the name “Qiao the Hakka Gold Refiner,” said he extracted 191.73 grams of gold, worth more than 210,000 yuan, or over US$30,000, from old electronic materials as reported by South China Morning Post.
Qiao shared a video on Chinese social media showing piles of discarded SIM cards and electronic parts being processed through several chemical steps. In the video, the final result shows visible gold collected from the waste.
Many viewers were surprised to learn that SIM cards contain gold. Some commented that collecting electronic scrap could be more profitable than years of work, while others said they had never imagined that everyday items like SIM cards could hide valuable metals.
However, as the video gained attention, misunderstandings began to spread online. Some viewers believed the gold came only from SIM cards. Qiao later clarified that this was not the case. He explained that the gold was recovered by processing nearly two tonnes of mixed electronic waste, not just SIM cards alone.
SIM cards and similar electronic components contain extremely thin layers of gold. This gold is used on contact points and circuit connections because it conducts electricity very well and does not rust or corrode. The same type of gold coating is commonly found in bank cards, identity cards, circuit boards, and other electronic chips. While the amount of gold in one SIM card is tiny, large quantities of electronic waste can collectively contain a recoverable amount.
The video also triggered concerns from experts and safety professionals. Chemical specialists warned that the gold extraction process shown involves highly corrosive substances, including strong acids. These chemicals can be extremely dangerous if handled without proper training, protective equipment, and controlled facilities.
Experts cautioned that attempting similar methods at home could cause serious harm. Exposure to toxic fumes, chemical burns, and long-term health damage are major risks. Improper disposal of chemical waste can also pollute water sources and soil, creating environmental damage that affects entire communities.
Local authorities and environmental experts urged the public not to attempt do-it-yourself gold extraction. They stressed that professional electronic waste recycling facilities are designed to handle these processes safely. Such facilities operate under strict regulations to reduce pollution and protect workers.
Amid the growing debate, Qiao addressed the public reaction and explained his intention behind the video. He said, “The purpose of this video was to educate people about the recycling value of electronic waste, not to encourage unsafe or illegal behavior.” He added that professional knowledge and safety measures are essential for such work and should not be ignored.
The viral case has drawn attention to the larger issue of electronic waste, which is increasing rapidly around the world. Old phones, SIM cards, computers, and household electronics are often thrown away, even though they contain valuable materials such as gold, silver, and palladium.
China has introduced several policies to promote responsible electronic waste recycling through licensed channels. Analysts say that when done correctly, e-waste recycling can reduce pollution, conserve resources, and support a growing green economy. Professional recycling not only protects the environment but also allows valuable metals to be recovered in a safe and controlled way.
