7. The devices are then disassembled…
According to some estimates, up to 30 times as much gold can be found in cell phone circuitry as can be found in the gold ore processed in gold mines (some 150 grams, or 5.3 ounces, per ton, compared to a measly 5 grams, or 0.18 ounces per ton) meaning that mining electronic waste really is as lucrative as striking gold. To add to that, the same quantity of cell phones also contains 100kg (220lb) of copper and 3kg (6.6lb) of silver, as well as numerous other materials.