Urban Mining: Recovery of Precious Metals from Electronic Waste
25 Temmuz 2025Digital technology is advancing rapidly, and with it, the number of electronic devices that enrich our lives is growing exponentially. Yet this progress comes hand in hand with the generation of millions of tons of waste each year. End-of-life devices are not merely trash—they’re repositories of high-value precious metals. Urban mining, which bridges environmental sustainability and economic opportunity, becomes crucial at this juncture.
What Is Urban Mining?
Urban mining refers to the process of extracting valuable metals from decommissioned devices, equipment, and other urban resources. Rather than depleting finite natural reserves, it transforms existing waste streams into economic inputs. In essence, urban mining represents a new generation of mining—where cities become secondary mineral reserves.
Why Is Urban Mining Necessary?
- Preservation of Natural Resources
Conventional mining is restrictive, ecologically damaging, and often unsustainable. It can lead to deforestation, water pollution, and increased carbon emissions. Urban mining re-enters existing resources into the production cycle, minimizing environmental impact and supporting environmentally friendly recycling.
- High Concentration of Precious Metals
Devices often contain small amounts of gold, silver, copper, platinum, and palladium. For instance:
- About 300 g of gold can be recovered per ton of mobile devices,
- A ton of circuit boards may yield about 250 g of gold and 1 kg of silver.
These yields can exceed metal concentrations in some traditional mines.
- Energy & Carbon Savings
Traditional mining processes are highly energy-intensive. In contrast, recovery through recycling requires far less energy. This reduces both operational costs and carbon footprint.
- Waste Management & Environmental Protection
Discarded devices improperly handled can harm ecosystems by releasing toxic substances. Controlled recycling prevents this and supports sustainable waste management.
The Circular Economy & Urban Mining Connection
Urban mining is a core component of the circular economy model. Through product life extension, resource re-input, and optimized consumption, circular systems simultaneously protect the environment and support economic sustainability. Precious metals recovery becomes not just recycling—it’s strategic resource management.
Urban Mining Potential in Türkiye
With a young population and high tech consumption, Türkiye uses vast numbers of devices but remains dependent on imported precious metals. This imbalance turns urban mining into a strategic opportunity. Yet much of this resource remains underutilized due to informal dumping practices. Strengthening recycling infrastructure and raising public awareness are paramount.
Biotrend Energy’s Circular Economy & Urban Mining Strategy
Biotrend Energy doesn’t just dispose of waste—it embeds it into a sustainable production cycle. As a result, natural resource consumption is reduced, carbon footprints shrink, and a locally-sourced, eco-friendly supply chain emerges. Urban mining underpins Biotrend’s whole business model focused on circular economy.
This integrated approach supports not only today’s needs but also secures future resource independence. Biotrend Energy is actively shaping a future where waste becomes strategic assets.
Global Examples of Urban Mining
Japan
All medals used in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were made from materials recycled through urban mining—an inspiring example of symbolic but impactful resource repurposing.
European Union
By 2025, EU regulations require that up to 65 % of electronic products placed on the market be collected and recycled. These circular economy mandates are accelerating urban mining adoption.
United States & China
Both countries are investing billions in recovering rare earth elements from waste streams. Cutting-edge sustainability-driven resource strategies are becoming central to global technological leadership.
What Can Individuals Do?
Success in urban mining depends on informed choices:
- Deliver unused devices to authorized collection points, not to landfill.
- Participate in recycling campaigns.
- Choose durable, repairable products with longer lifespans.
- Support brands that embrace the circular economy ethos.
Tomorrow’s Mines Are Our Homes
Urban mining isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of resource recovery. In a world facing dwindling primary reserves, reclaiming value from used products protects the environment and generates economic opportunity.
Biotrend Energy exemplifies this vision—treating waste as more than burden and more as strategic asset. By embedding circular economy principles into its model, the company enables a cleaner environment and a more sustainable future.
