Aurubis AG is a global leader in the production and recycling of non-ferrous metals, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, the company has been a key player in the metals industry for over 150 years. Aurubis specializes in processing complex metal concentrates, scrap metals, and recycling raw materials into high-purity metals, including copper, gold, silver, and platinum group metals. Its operations span multiple countries, with production sites in Europe and the United States, supported by a vast distribution network.
Aurubis is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, aiming to achieve carbon-neutral production by reducing emissions and integrating renewable energy into its processes. The company’s expertise in metal recycling positions it as a critical contributor to the circular economy, particularly in the context of the growing demand for metals in industries like e-mobility and renewable energy.
Battery Technology
Aurubis is actively advancing battery recycling technologies to recover valuable metals from lithium-ion batteries, supporting the global transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. The company employs a patented hydrometallurgical process to extract metals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite from “black mass,” a byproduct of mechanically recycled lithium-ion batteries. This process achieves an impressive recovery rate of approximately 95% for all metals, making it highly efficient and environmentally friendly.
In addition to metal recovery, Aurubis is developing recycled graphite anodes in collaboration with Talga. This initiative aims to establish a European supply chain for graphite, a critical component in battery production, while reducing reliance on foreign supplies and lowering CO2 emissions. The company’s efforts align with EU regulations, such as the Critical Raw Materials Act and Battery Regulation, which emphasize recycling and sustainability in battery production.
Aurubis is also investing in pilot and industrial-scale recycling plants to enhance its capacity for processing battery materials. These facilities are designed to support the growing demand for battery metals and contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy in the battery sector.
Recent Projects
In recent years, Aurubis has undertaken several significant projects to expand its recycling capabilities and support the battery value chain. In December 2024, the company inaugurated a state-of-the-art recycling plant in Olen, Belgium, designed to recover valuable metals from complex raw materials. This facility underscores Aurubis’ commitment to innovation and sustainability in metal recycling.
The company has also expanded its copper production capacity at its Pirdop site in Bulgaria, increasing output by 50% to 340,000 tonnes annually. This expansion enhances Aurubis’ ability to supply critical metals for industries like e-mobility and renewable energy. Additionally, Aurubis has invested in the Complex Recycling Hamburg (CRH) project, which focuses on processing additional recycling materials and internal smelter byproducts to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency.
Investors
Aurubis has attracted significant investment from key stakeholders, reflecting its strong position in the metals and recycling industry. Salzgitter AG, a major industrial group, holds a 29.99% stake in Aurubis, serving as its anchor investor. Other notable shareholders include Dirk Roßmann’s family, which owns more than 5% of the shares, and institutional investors like BlackRock Inc. and Dimension Holdings Inc.
The company has also secured funding through innovative financial instruments, such as ESG-linked loans, to support its sustainability initiatives and strategic acquisitions. These investments highlight the confidence of stakeholders in Aurubis’ ability to drive innovation and sustainability in the metals sector.
Business Details
Location: Hamburg, Germany, other operational locations
Website: https://aurubis.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurubis/
