Aurubis has announced a significant €400 million investment in its Bulgarian operations to enhance copper production capacity and augment its solar power capabilities. Roland Harings, CEO of Aurubis, marked the occasion with a groundbreaking ceremony for two major projects under the company's "Driving Sustainable Growth" strategy.
The primary focus of this investment is the expansion of the tankhouse, which will increase the production capacity by 50%, reaching 340,000 tonnes of refined copper annually. This expansion, first announced in 2023, is expected to contribute an additional €30 million to the annual earnings (EBITDA) following its commissioning in the second half of 2026.
Additionally, Aurubis is set to enhance its solar power facilities, aiming to generate approximately 40 MWp of solar power annually, which will primarily support the operations of its own facilities.
The investment also covers several initiatives aimed at increasing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. These include the installation of 460 high-efficiency motors, replacement of transformers, and state-of-the-art lighting technology, projected to prevent around 12,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
Further infrastructure investments include an extensive retrofit of its smelter scheduled for 2025 and the acquisition of a fleet of train cars for transporting copper concentrates from the Port of Burgas to the plant in Pirdop. These projects are designed to enhance the site’s efficiency and ensure its long-term viability in an increasingly competitive and environmentally conscious market.
