Waste and scrap of gold or of metal clad with gold

cpc code 39331 covers the trade and processing of waste and scrap materials containing gold or gold-plated metals. This industry plays a crucial role in the circular economy, as it enables the recovery and reuse of valuable precious metals that would otherwise be lost. The recycling of gold and gold-plated scrap is an important source of supply for the jewelry, electronics, and other industries that rely on gold as a key input.

The main production techniques used in this industry involve the collection, sorting, and processing of waste and scrap materials containing gold or gold-plated metals. This typically includes the dismantling of electronic devices, the recovery of jewelry and other gold-containing items, and the processing of industrial waste streams. The scrap is then melted down, refined, and prepared for sale to downstream industries.

The primary inputs for this industry are the waste and scrap materials containing gold or gold-plated metals. This can include a wide range of sources, such as 85489 Waste and scrap of electrical and electronic equipment, 71129 Waste and scrap of other precious metals, and 71123 Waste and scrap of gold, including metal clad with gold but excluding sweepings containing other precious metals. In addition, the industry requires specialized equipment for the collection, sorting, and processing of the scrap materials.

The main output of this industry is refined gold and gold-plated metals, which are then sold to a variety of downstream industries, including 71101 Gold, unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms, or in powder form, 32121 Jewellery and goldsmiths' wares, and 26201 Electronic integrated circuits. The recycled gold and gold-plated metals can be used as a substitute for primary gold, reducing the environmental impact and resource consumption associated with gold mining.