Is there really gold in computers and cell phones? There sure is.
When we think of gold, many of us picture gold jewelry. And maybe gold bullion. Period. But the reality is that gold is used in many everyday objects all around us including computers and cell phones.
The reason gold is used in your computer and cell phone
To understand why we use gold in technology, we need to be aware of the qualities this precious metal possesses. Gold is unrivalled in its electrical conductivity, thermal capabilities, and resistance to corrosion. Taken together, these make it a superstar among metals that can be used in a myriad of ways where even a little goes a long way.
What exactly does gold “do” in our devices
Because of these excellent qualities, gold is the ideal candidate for use in technology such as our cell phones, laptops, desktop computers and audio equipment. So what exactly does gold do in our technology that makes it such a critical part of daily life?
- It ensures the transmission of signals in electronic devices
- It improves the soldering of contacts in PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) which are found in microwaves, stoves, fridges, and air conditioners, to name a few
- It’s used in switches that are subjected to repeated handling such as keyboards (computers) and remote controls (TVs) due to its ability to withstand constant switching without breaking down
- It controls temperatures in electronic devices so they don’t overheat
- It’s used in pacemakers due to its biocompatibility
- And it’s used in aviation communication systems and in some types of aircraft engine (as discussed in our article, How is Gold Used in Aircraft?)
Without gold, we couldn’t enjoy the technology that today powers so much of our lives. I invite you to take a look:
***
A day in my life without gold
The alarm on my phone wakes me up. Oops, no smartphone so it would be my old fashioned alarm clock (remember those?). Waking me with that ear-piercing RRRRRRRRING. Arrgh.
I set the tracker on my smartwatch for my morning run. Nuh-uh, no smartwatch, just a regular analog one that tells the time. So instead, I clip a step counter on the waist of my sweatpants and off I go, only to find when I get home that it’s fallen off somewhere along the route and I have no clue how many steps I actually did. Annoying.
After my run and shower, I quickly make breakfast in the microwave. Oops, no microwave so I have to use the slow method of cooking on the stove. Hmm, my old-fashioned stove, I should add. Same with my old-fashioned fridge. And I don’t have any a/c, by the way. And it’s getting pretty warm out already.
No laptop, no cell phone, no apps
After breakfast I go to open my laptop. Except I don’t have one, remember, so I have to haul out my heavy manual typewriter. Or my pad of paper and pen. And start writing. Remember that thing, writing? It makes my hand ache.
I think I hear the phone ring in the other room over the noisy clunking of the typewriter keys. We only have one phone in the house and it’s plugged into the wall. I stop typing and listen. Yes, it’s ringing but by the time I run from one room to the other, I’ve missed the call. Frustrating.
Now it’s lunchtime. I would love to order pizza from my app but I don’t have an app because I don’t have a smartphone so I decide to drive up to the store and order it there. And while I’m waiting for it to be made, I’ll read a book. Not on my phone of course but the physical book that I must remember to take with me.
Winding down the car windows
Because it’s a beautiful warm day I have the windows down in the car as I drive to the pizza store, even though there are some ominous dark clouds overhead. And don’t you know it, it starts to rain, heavily. There are no electronics in my car so I can’t push a button to magically close the window in a few seconds. Instead, I have to wind the window up with my left hand whilst negotiating traffic with my right. My car is quite old so it takes some effort to get that handle moving round and round.
As I wait for my pizza I stare out the window because I forgot to bring my book. But as luck would have it, I see a hawk flying overhead. How I wish I’d brought my Nikon camera to get a photo. But it’s heavy, especially with its case. If only I had some type of gadget I could carry with me everywhere that was small, light and could take photos too – how cool would that be! (How we miss you, smartphones.)
The cardboard box (no gold in that) protects the pizza from the soggy rain and I get home, dry off and enjoy my “healthy” lunch (healthy because it has veggies on it).
The afternoon is a repeat of the morning. But the evening gets worse.
Now comes the real exercise of having to get up from the couch every time I want to change channels on the TV. Because remote controls don’t exist. Believe me, this is when it’s great to have kids so they can do the exercise for you.
And that research I want to do on the internet? Nope, no circuit boards. No internet. Got to pull out the latest edition of Encyclopedia Britannica and flip through all 12 volumes to find the answer to my question.
Keeping in touch with snail mail
And how about emailing my friends? Ha! Get out that pad of nice writing paper instead and actually write. With snail mail, you might hear back from them within the month if you’re lucky.
How about a quick text message, a scroll through Facebook, browse on Instagram, or chat on WhatsApp to a friend halfway round the world on a video call? No! Are you kidding me? And a video call? What are you thinking?
It’s been a tiring day. Time to set the old alarm clock and sleep.
***
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget how effortless our lives are thanks to the technology we take for granted. Next time you reach for your smartphone or TV remote, remember those important little pieces of gold buried inside, playing a vital role in our electronic lives.
Sustainable gold mining for green technology
There has never been a greater awareness of the vital role metals are playing in the green technology of the future. By mining sustainably, and recycling and reusing these metals responsibly, we are ensuring a reliable supply for wherever it is needed in the years to come.
SOOP Strategies Inc. specializes in sustainability in mining. To discover how you can mine your gold, or any metal, whilst observing best practices in ESG/sustainability, contact us at info@soopstrategies.com.