BRITAIN’S coin-makers announced today that it is turning mobile phones and laptops into gold.

The Royal Mint based at Llantrisant, Wales, is processing 4,000 tonnes of scrapped printed circuit boards to recover high-purity gold.

The Royal Mint unveiled its new factory on its south Wales site which will provide a more sustainable source of gold and reduce reliance on mining.

The plant will recover gold from printed circuit boards (PCBs) found in everyday items, such as TVs, laptops and mobile phones, in minutes.

The Royal Mint’s Sean Millard said: “The factory underpins our commitment to using sustainable precious metals and providing a new source of high-quality, recovered gold.

“It allows us to reduce our reliance on mined materials and is another example of how we’re working to decarbonise our operations. 

“Our commitment to growth, innovation and circular economy principles shapes an exciting and more sustainable future for the Royal Mint, our people and our communities.”