https://resource-recycling.com/e-scrap/2025/10/08/aurubis-steps-up-recycling-investments-in-us-eu/
Aurubis, the Germany-based nonferrous metals giant, is deepening its push into recycling and copper production with a series of major moves on both sides of the Atlantic. The company’s growth strategy illustrates a broader trend of stakeholders locking in access to recycled feedstock, as regulatory and customer requirements intensify.
The company laid out its revised strategy Oct. 8, 2025, saying, “After a phase of strong investment-driven growth, Aurubis is shifting its focus to delivering impact from its investments and smart, targeted growth that creates value and aligns with its core strengths.”
Efforts toward this include expanding commercial reach and service level to access new material streams and strengthen existing ones. One example is the company’s new multimetal recycling plant in Richmond, Georgia, its first in the US.
Aurubis CEO Toralf Haag said, “The commissioning of our facility in Richmond marks a milestone in Aurubis’ growth journey. We are first movers and have built the first greenfield smelter in the US in over a century. Our timely entry into the US market and our unique set of capabilities coupled with a supportive funding environment are a strong foundation for further growth in one of the most attractive metal markets in the world.”
In addition to the new plant, Aurubis secured millions in financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to expand recycling and copper production in Europe.
At the same time, other cable manufacturers, including longstanding Aurubis customers such as Nexans, are also ramping up investments in European copper recycling capacity. These moves confirm that demand for copper and critical secondary materials is rising fast and smelters are repositioning themselves to capture value from the growing tide of electronic waste.
First US foothold
In late September, Aurubis reached a commissioning milestone at its new US facility. The $740 million plant is designed to process up to 90,000 tons/year of multimetal scrap in its initial phase, recovering copper, nickel, tin, precious metals and other high-demand inputs.
“We will continue expanding our wide expertise in producing key strategic raw materials here,” Haag said at the plant’s ribbon-cutting. “With the high availability of recycling material and good local conditions, the American market offers Aurubis appealing prospects that we will continue to consider closely in the future as well.”
The plant also reflects US government efforts to strengthen domestic capacity for critical materials. While copper is not yet formally listed, it is recommended for inclusion on a draft list of critical minerals from the US Department of the Interior and its final approval is pending. Policymakers are increasingly viewing copper as strategic for electrification and by entering the market now, Aurubis is positioning itself as a key player in the US push to recover metals from urban mining and e-waste.
