Man Extracts Gold Worth ₹27 Lakh from Old SIM Cards — Experts Warn Public Not to Attempt the Dangerous Process

A viral video from China showing a man extracting gold from discarded SIM cards and electronic waste has triggered global curiosity — and concern. The individual, identified as Zhao from Guangdong province, reportedly recovered 191 grams of pure gold from scrap electronics, valued at nearly 200,000 yuan (around ₹27 lakh).

While the video has sparked a surge in demand for old SIM cards in secondary markets, experts and the creator himself are warning the public not to imitate the experiment due to serious safety risks.

How Gold Was Extracted

According to reports, Zhao works in electronic waste processing and demonstrated that SIM card chips contain a microscopic gold coating used to improve conductivity and stability. To extract the metal, he placed large quantities of scrap cards into chemical drums and followed an industrial refining process.

After multiple stages of chemical treatment, filtration, and high-temperature heating, he obtained gold sediment that was later melted into solid metal. Zhao clarified that a single SIM card contains less than 0.001 grams of gold, meaning massive volumes of e-waste are required to recover even small quantities.

Video Fuels Black Market Demand

Following the video’s release, second-hand markets in China saw rising prices for old SIM and bank cards. Some sellers began advertising scrap electronics as a quick path to wealth. However, industry specialists caution that the economics are misleading — the cost, scale, and danger involved far outweigh potential gains.

A Process That Can Be Deadly

Zhao himself stressed that the extraction method is highly hazardous. The chemicals used in metal recovery can produce toxic gases and involve strong acids capable of causing severe burns. Improper handling can result in poisoning, explosions, or long-term environmental damage.

Electronic waste processing without certification is illegal in many regions and must be conducted in licensed facilities with protective equipment and industrial safety protocols.

Not a DIY Opportunity

Experts emphasize that gold recovery from e-waste is a specialized industrial activity, not a home experiment. Attempting such a process without training or safety infrastructure can be life-threatening.

Authorities worldwide have repeatedly warned against informal recycling operations, which pose both public health and environmental risks.