Aurubis AG, a leading global provider of non-ferrous metals and one of the largest copper recyclers worldwide, is investing around € 46 million in improving slag processing at its site in Bulgaria. Full commissioning is planned for 2026, and the multimetal supplier anticipates an additional contribution to earnings in the mid-single-digit million euro range from increased metal yield starting in fiscal year 2026/27.

First and foremost though, the project represents an important contribution to environmental conservation: In the future, cooling of slags will no longer take place in pits, but in over 200 slag pots instead. The current cooling process is an approved method in the industry. With the new slag processing approach, Aurubis is again going above and beyond current ecological standards. 

“By optimizing slag processing, we are considerably reducing the fugitive emissions generated by the previous method. This investment represents a key contribution to achieving our ambitious sustainability targets. At the same time, it highlights our dedication to continuously improving our approach to mitigating climate change and protecting the environment,” Aurubis COO Custom Smelting & Products Dr. Heiko Arnold said.

The new process is also a step forward in occupational safety. In addition to benefiting the environment, the new method also improves metal yield by reducing copper loss in the slag.