How Does Aurubis Company Work?

Aurubis transforms metal concentrates into essential non-ferrous metals. Its primary output is copper cathodes, which are further processed into various copper products such as wire rods and profiles.

The company processes around 700,000 tons of recycling materials annually using advanced pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical techniques. This includes recovering valuable metals from complex materials like electronic scrap.

Beyond copper, Aurubis extracts and refines other precious and base metals, including gold, silver, lead, and nickel. It also generates valuable by-products like sulfuric acid and iron silicate.

With a network of smelters across Europe and the US, Aurubis ensures efficient production and distribution. A worldwide sales network supports diverse industries such as electronics, construction, and automotive.

Aurubis is channeling approximately €1.7 billion into strategic projects, with a substantial two-thirds dedicated to enhancing its recycling operations. This includes major expansions and new facilities designed to increase processing capacity and efficiency.

Key investments are bolstering Aurubis's position in the circular economy. The new Aurubis Richmond plant in the US, an $800 million project operational since 2025, will process 180,000 metric tons of complex copper scrap annually, addressing domestic processing needs.

Further investments include €190 million for the Complex Recycling Hamburg (CRH) project, adding 30,000 tons of recycling material capacity from 2025, and €300 million for a new Precious Metals Refinery in Hamburg. The company also inaugurated a new recycling plant in Olen, Belgium, in December 2024.

While facing operational challenges like below-target performance at the Hamburg site and increased costs from investments, Aurubis maintains a strong competitive edge. Its leadership in recycling complex materials, diverse supply base, and advanced metallurgical capabilities are key differentiators.

Aurubis AG is a dominant force in the global non-ferrous metals market, distinguished as one of the world's largest copper recyclers. Its extensive network of production facilities across Europe and the US, combined with a worldwide sales infrastructure, solidifies its leading industry position and fosters strong customer loyalty through the consistent delivery of high-quality metals.

The company navigates a landscape marked by volatile market conditions and fluctuating metal prices, alongside the persistent challenge of securing a stable supply of raw materials for its Aurubis operations. Increased operational costs, including those for enhanced security and personnel, as well as potential regulatory shifts and technological disruptions, also present ongoing considerations.

Aurubis is strategically investing approximately €1.7 billion in key projects to enhance profitability and expand its capabilities. These investments are designed to generate an additional EBITDA contribution of about €260 million annually, focusing on expanding recycling capacities and increasing production output, aligning with global demand driven by the energy transition and digitalization.

For the 2024/25 fiscal year, Aurubis projects an operating EBT between €300 million and €400 million, anticipating growth in copper product sales and strong revenues from sulfuric acid. The company is also committed to sustainability, investing in decarbonization efforts such as using hydrogen in its anode furnaces and aiming to supply carbon-neutral heat, demonstrating its dedication to environmental responsibility within its Aurubis business model.