EQS-News: Aurubis Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of First Multi-Metal Recycling Facility in the United States

Aurubis Celebrates Ribbon Cutting on First Multi-Metal Recycling Facility in the United States

• Aurubis’ ~$800M Georgia Facility Signals New Beginning for Sustainable Multi-Metal Recycling in the U.S.
• The plant will provide over 230 high-quality jobs, ensuring growth and economic stability for families and businesses.
• Capacity to process over 180,000 tons of complex recyclable materials per year, including printed circuit boards and copper cables
• Aurubis metals play a key role in renewable energy,
  e-mobility, battery recycling and other industries

Augusta, GA / USA, September 20, 2024 – Today, German company Aurubis AG, a leading global supplier of nonferrous metals and one of the world’s largest copper recyclers for over 150 years, marked a significant milestone by officially cutting the ribbon on its state-of-the-art recycling facility in Augusta, Georgia. After more than two years of construction, Aurubis Richmond is the first multi-metal recycling secondary smelter of its kind in the United States.

The event brought together Aurubis leaders, Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp and many other local officials and community members to celebrate the facility, which promises to be a breakthrough in sustainable metals recycling.

“With Aurubis Richmond, we are pioneering multi-metal recycling in the U.S.,” said Aurubis CEO Toralf Haag during his keynote address. He continued: “As the first major secondary smelter of its kind in the U.S., Aurubis Richmond will allow us to keep strategically important metals in the economy, making U.S. supply chains more independent. The new site demonstrates very clearly how Aurubis combines profitable growth and sustainable business operations, driving our ambition to responsibly transform raw materials into value for an innovative and sustainable world.”

“During our numerous meetings with Aurubis leadership, both in Georgia and Germany, we have heard their goals align with ours to create good-paying jobs and build lasting partnerships that will make us leaders in the growing electric industry,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “After years of hard work, we are able to celebrate on days like today as we cut the ribbon on this facility and formally welcome another chapter for Aurubis in the Augusta community.”

Following the start of operations in June 2022, Aurubis made a strategic decision in late 2022 to accelerate the expansion of the facility, investing approximately $800 million in total. The expansion phase will allow the facility to process up to 180,000 tons of complex recyclable materials per year, including printed circuit boards, copper cables and other metal-containing products.

“Aurubis Richmond will become a major player in the North American multi-metals supply chain and a significant employer in the Augusta region,” said David Schultheis, President and CEO of Aurubis Richmond. “I am very proud of what the team has accomplished in building this state-of-the-art recycling facility in just two years. And we have much more to do. We are grateful for the support of the Georgia officials and leaders who have warmly welcomed us and supported us throughout our journey. A true partnership that we look forward to strengthening in the future.”

Aurubis’ new Richmond facility is equipped with advanced technology that complies with environmental standards set by both the state of Georgia and federal regulators, ensuring operations are conducted with the utmost respect for air, water and wildlife conservation, consistent with Aurubis’ mission to be a good steward of the environment and its strategic vision to achieve carbon neutrality well before 2050.

The ribbon-cutting event also highlighted Aurubis Richmond’s role in contributing to the circular economy by providing essential metals to key industries such as renewable energy, electric vehicles and battery manufacturing. The facility is expected to play a key role in the North American supply chain, cementing Aurubis’ position as a global leader in multi-metal recycling.

In addition, Aurubis Richmond is committed to being a major employer in the Augusta area, providing over 230 high-quality jobs and contributing to the local economy. The company is also committed to community involvement and providing valuable learning opportunities and scholarships to train future leaders. Aurubis Richmond has committed to a Community Benefits Agreement with Augusta Technical College and Aiken Technical College, as well as the Richmond County School System. As part of this agreement, the company will invest in scholarships and job training programs for young workers.

Further information, as well as fact sheets, images and videos on Aurubis Richmond are available in our digital press kit at
www.aurubis.com/richmond-ribboncutting

Aurubis – Metals for Progress

Aurubis AG is a leading global supplier of non-ferrous metals and one of the largest copper recyclers in the world. The company processes complex metal concentrates, metal scrap, organic and inorganic metal-containing recycling materials and industrial residues into the highest quality metals. Aurubis produces more than 1 million tons of copper cathodes per year, from which a variety of products such as wire rod, continuously cast shapes, profiles and flat rolled products made of copper and copper alloys. Aurubis also produces a range of other metals, including precious metals, selenium, lead, nickel, tin and zinc. The portfolio also includes additional products such as sulfuric acid and iron silicate.

Sustainability is a fundamental part of Aurubis’ strategy. “Aurubis responsibly transforms raw materials into value” – guided by this maxim, the company integrates sustainable behavior and business activities into its corporate culture. This includes a prudent approach to natural resources, responsible social and ecological behavior in everyday business, and sound, healthy growth.

Aurubis employs approximately 6,900 people, has production facilities in Europe and the USA and an extensive service and distribution network in Europe, Asia and North America.

Aurubis shares are part of the Prime Standard segment of the German Stock Exchange and are listed in the MDAX, Global Challenges Index (GCX) and STOXX Europe 600 indices.

More information on the website www.aurubis.com