Since 2022, the United States has added about 20,000 semiconductor manufacturing jobs, increasing the total from about 185,000 to about 205,000. One of the few industries not hit hard by the pandemic, the semiconductor industry grew along with demand for consumer electronics during that time. If the numerous projects underway are seen to completion, the domestic semiconductor industry will grow even further. The US also produces electronic equipment and electronic components such as capacitors, resistors, and connectors.
Even as the manufacturing process for electronics and devices becomes more efficient, the process still produces significant waste in the form of defective components, copper mesh, tubing and filters, and bevel dust, flakes, and resins.
Not Just the Production Process
Its not just the production process that creates waste. Machines and computers break down or become obsolete. Parts have to be replaced. Those old computers, machines, and parts become e-waste. The World Health Organization reports that in 2022, 62 million tonnes (about 62 billion kg or 68 million tons) or of e-waste was produced globally and only about one fifth of it 22.3% was formally collected and recycled.
Many businesses are in a tough spot when it comes to what to do with this waste. Recycling can be expensive, but failing to recycle is harmful to the environment, which is harmful to the long-term sustainability of industry. At the same time, recycling presents opportunities for manufacturers. This is especially true for electronics manufacturers, who are often working with gold, platinum, and palladium, the three most valuable of the precious metals. You don’t want to let those go to waste.
E-Waste
There is so little gold in a single circuit board that it’s not cost-effective for individuals to do it, but for manufacturers dealing with larger quantities of precious metals, failing to extract and refine these metals from e-waste contributes to the global e-waste crisis, necessitates more extraction of a nonrenewable resource, and leaves money on the table—especially with gold prices soaring to over $3,000 per ounce.
The team at DH Fell & Co. has processed millions of ounces of precious metals. Our advanced assay process gives you the most accurate analysis you’ll find anywhere, detailing the precious metal content of your material to the parts per billion. One of the biggest issues customers have with refiners is a lack of transparency in the analysis process. We’ve built our business on a reputation for honesty and transparency. Learn more about our analysis methods here. When it’s time to refine your precious metals, contact us and open your account here.
