A viral video from southeastern China showing a man extracting gold from old SIM cards and electronic waste has triggered widespread curiosity — and concern — across social media platforms.
Video draws millions of views
The video features a man known online as Qiao, who demonstrates how gold can be recovered from discarded telecom industry waste. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, Qiao is from Huizhou and works professionally with precious metal scrap.
In the clip, he pours used SIM cards and electronic chip waste into large containers filled with chemicals. Through corrosion, displacement and heating, he separates what he calls “gold mud”, which is later filtered and heated to produce solid gold.
Nearly 200 grams of gold recovered
Qiao reportedly extracted 191 grams of gold, worth nearly 200,000 yuan (around US$29,000). He later clarified to the Xiaoxiang Morning Post that the gold was not sourced from SIM cards alone, but from a mix of electronic chip waste.
“To ensure stability and corrosion resistance, key parts of SIM cards are gold-plated,” Qiao explained.
Online frenzy and safety fears
After the video went viral, online interest surged. Some sellers began marketing bundles of old SIM cards, claiming they could be used for “alchemy”. Another online store reportedly sold gold-refining tools along with video tutorials for 485 yuan (about US$70), selling nearly 2,000 copies.
Reactions ranged from regret to caution. One user commented, “I threw away computer chip waste years ago — now I regret it.” Another warned, “This requires professional knowledge. It’s extremely dangerous.”
Experts warn against DIY attempts
Qiao himself urged viewers not to attempt the process. He said he refines electronic waste legally with proper certification. An industry insider told mainland outlet Xinwenfang that gold extraction typically uses aqua regia, a highly dangerous chemical mixture.
“A small mistake can release toxic gases or cause severe corrosive reactions,” the expert warned.
In China, refining and selling precious metals is tightly regulated, and used SIM cards are classified as hazardous waste — making unauthorised extraction illegal and risky.