Core Viewpoint - The viral claim that SIM cards and credit card chips contain significant amounts of gold is largely exaggerated, with experts clarifying that while gold can be extracted, the actual yield is minimal and requires professional handling [1][2][3]. Group 1: Gold Content in SIM Cards - A viral video claimed that each SIM card contains 0.02 grams of gold, but experts indicate that a Nano-SIM card may yield only 0.02 milligrams, a difference of 1,000 times [2]. - The actual extraction process involves using large quantities of electronic waste, with one practitioner reporting that 9,700 grams of old SIM cards yielded only 1.93 grams of gold, averaging 0.1 milligrams per card [2]. Group 2: Purpose of Gold in Electronics - Gold is used in electronic devices to prevent oxidation of copper circuits, which can degrade performance over time. A thin layer of gold is sufficient to protect the underlying copper [3][4]. Group 3: Economic Viability of Gold Extraction - Despite the low yield per card, electronic waste is still considered a valuable resource, as the cumulative amount of gold in large quantities of waste can be significant [4]. - The extraction process is costly and requires specialized knowledge and equipment, making it impractical for individuals to attempt [5][6]. Group 4: Legal and Environmental Considerations - The chemicals required for gold extraction, such as aqua regia, are regulated and pose environmental hazards if not handled properly. Only licensed companies can legally conduct such operations [5][6]. - The costs associated with safe extraction and environmental compliance are high, making small-scale extraction unprofitable for individuals [6].