Port-of-Spain

Gold in Trinidad? The hidden wealth just outside Port-of-Spain

Is there gold in Trinidad? Nestled just outside Port-of-Spain, there could be a treasure trove of gold, silver, and other precious metals waiting to be uncovered. This treasure isn’t in the form of traditional gold bars or jewelry, but rather in the form of electronic waste (e-waste)—discarded electronics that contain valuable materials.

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The lucrative practice of precious metal extraction from e-waste

E-waste is a rapidly growing global concern, with millions of tonnes generated each year. What many may not realise is that these discarded electronics contain small amounts of precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

These metals are used in everything from circuit boards to connectors, and while they might be present in minuscule amounts in a single device, the cumulative potential in large landfills like Beetham is immense.

Extracting precious metals from e-waste is a practice that has gained significant attention in recent years. Companies around the world, such as “Mint” in New Zealand and Australia, have established e-waste recovery facilities that specialise in safely extracting these valuable materials.

Mint’s operations have proven that e-waste recycling is not only profitable but also environmentally beneficial, reducing the need for traditional mining and mitigating the pollution associated with electronic waste.

Potential economic and social benefits for Trinidad

The establishment of an e-waste recovery facility in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly in the Beetham landfill, could have far-reaching economic and social benefits.

1. Job creation

The development of such a facility would require a skilled workforce, leading to the creation of jobs in areas like waste management, materials recovery, and environmental science.

These jobs would not only provide employment opportunities for local residents but also offer specialised training, enhancing the skill set of the workforce.

2. Generation of foreign exchange

The extraction and sale of precious metals from e-waste could become a significant source of foreign exchange for Trinidad and Tobago.

With global demand for these materials rising, particularly in the technology and renewable energy sectors, Trinidad and Tobago could tap into a lucrative market by exporting recovered metals. This could help to diversify the country’s economy, which is currently based on oil and gas.

3. Ecological benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to pursue e-waste recovery is the positive impact on the environment. Landfills are notorious for leaching toxic substances into the soil and water, and e-waste is a major contributor to this problem.

By extracting valuable metals from the e-waste in Beetham, Trinidad and Tobago could significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the landfill. Moreover, the process would decrease the need for traditional mining, which is often environmentally destructive, thereby contributing to global sustainability efforts.

Lessons from global e-waste recovery initiatives

The success of e-waste recovery initiatives in other parts of the world offers a roadmap for Trinidad. For example, Mint’s facilities in New Zealand and Australia have shown that with the right infrastructure and expertise, e-waste recycling can be both profitable and environmentally sound.

These facilities use state-of-the-art technology to safely dismantle electronics and extract valuable materials, ensuring that the process is efficient and minimises environmental harm.

By adopting similar practices, Trinidad and Tobago could transform the Beetham landfill from a symbol of waste into a beacon of sustainability and economic growth. The potential for job creation, foreign exchange generation, and environmental protection makes the prospect of e-waste recovery at Beetham a compelling opportunity for the country.

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Gold in Trinidad: A closer look at the potential

Here is a list of precious metals that can be recovered from e-waste, along with their average commodity prices in US$ per metric ton over the last 12 months:

1. Gold (Au)

Uses in electronics: Gold is used in connectors, switches, and relay contacts due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion.

Average commodity price: Approximately $57 million per metric tonne.

2. Silver (Ag)

Uses in electronics: Silver is used in solder, contacts, and conductors because of its highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals.

Average commodity price: Approximately $750,000 per metric tonne.

3. Platinum (Pt)

Uses in electronics: Platinum is used in hard drives, circuit boards, and thermocouples for its durability and corrosion resistance.

Average commodity price: Approximately $30 million per metric tonne.

4. Palladium (Pd)

Uses in electronics: Palladium is used in capacitors, connectors, and plating for semiconductors due to its high conductivity and resistance to oxidation.

Average commodity price: Approximately $45 million per metric tonne.

5. Rhodium (Rh)

Uses in electronics: Rhodium is used in electrical contacts and connectors for its excellent resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand high temperatures.

Average commodity price: Approximately $375 million per metric tonne.

6. Copper (Cu)

Uses in electronics: Copper is extensively used in wiring, circuit boards, and transformers due to its excellent electrical conductivity.

Average commodity price: Approximately $8,500 per metric tonne.

7. Nickel (Ni)

Uses in electronics: Nickel is used in batteries, alloys, and plating due to its resistance to corrosion and oxidation.

Average commodity price: Approximately $21,000 per metric tonne.

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8. Tantalum (Ta)

Uses in electronics: Tantalum is used in capacitors and high-power resistors for its ability to store charge efficiently.

Average commodity price: Approximately $200,000 per metric tonne.

9. Cobalt (Co)

Uses in electronics: Cobalt is used in batteries, particularly in lithium-ion batteries, and as an alloy in magnetic applications.

Average commodity price: Approximately $35,000 per metric tonne.

10. Indium (In)

Uses in electronics: Indium is used in LCD screens, touch screens, and semiconductors for its transparent and conductive properties.

Average commodity price: Approximately $230,000 per metric tonne.

11. Tin (Sn)

Uses in electronics: Tin is used in solder for joining electronic components.

Average commodity price: Approximately $26,000 per metric tonne.

12. Zinc (Zn)

Uses in electronics: Zinc is used in galvanisation and as an alloying element in various electronic components.

Average commodity price: Approximately $2,700 per metric tonne.

13. Lead (Pb)

Uses in electronics: Lead is used in batteries, cables, and soldering materials.

Average commodity price: Approximately $2,100 per metric tonne.

14. Lithium (Li)

Uses in electronics: Lithium is used primarily in rechargeable batteries for electronics.

Average commodity price: Approximately $75,000 per metric tonne.

These prices reflect average commodity prices over the last 12 months and may vary based on market conditions. The actual recovery of these metals from e-waste involves complex processes, but the potential financial returns make it a lucrative endeavour.

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Conclusion

The Beetham landfill in Trinidad might seem like an unlikely place for treasure, but with the growing global emphasis on green technology and sustainability, it could become a goldmine of opportunity. By tapping into the hidden wealth of precious metals within e-waste, Trinidad could create jobs, generate foreign exchange, and contribute to environmental initiatives.

The experiences of countries like New Zealand and Australia demonstrate that with the right approach, e-waste recovery is not only feasible but highly beneficial. The question now is whether Trinidad and Tobago will seize this opportunity and transform Beetham into a source of national pride and prosperity. Gold in Trinidad could be more than just a headline; it could be the catalyst for a sustainable and prosperous future.

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