Gold from SIM Cards: Viral Video Sparks Rush, But Experts Warn of Fatal Dangers

• A Chinese man, Qiao, claimed to extract 191 grams of gold worth $29,000 from old SIM cards and electronic scrap, sparking a viral sensation.
• Qiao, a professional in refining precious scrap metal, demonstrated a multi-stage chemical process involving corrosion, displacement, and heating.
• Experts clarify that a single SIM card contains less than 0.001 grams of gold, and Qiao's extraction involved nearly two tons of electronic waste, not just SIM cards.
• The viral video led to a surge in demand for old SIM cards on Chinese resale platforms and the sale of gold refining tools and guides.
• Qiao himself issued a strong warning against attempting this at home due to the use of highly dangerous chemicals like Aqua Regia, which can cause toxic gas release or severe accidents.

Why It Matters: A viral video about gold extraction from SIM cards caused a market frenzy, but experts and the extractor warn of extreme dangers.