Aurubis AG, the multi-metal producer and copper recycler, and SMS group GmbH, the Düsseldorf-based mechanical and plant engineering company, intend to advance the development of the market for the recycling of non-ferrous metals in the USA. Both companies have taken the next step in their strategic partnership in the global multi-metal recycling sector with the signing of a supply contract for a second plant module for the new Aurubis recycling plant in Richmond, Georgia. Aurubis will thus significantly accelerate its growth course in the future market of recycling and the circular economy. The additional facilities will increase the capacity of the metal recycling plant currently under construction in Richmond from 90,000 tons of complex scrap metal materials per year to 180,000 tons per year.
"With the next expansion stage at our new site in Georgia, we are consistently implementing our 'Driving Sustainable Growth' strategy. At the same time, we are keeping strategically important and highly demanded mineral raw materials in circulation," said Roland Harings, CEO of Aurubis.
Modern processes for complex recycling materials
The recycling plant supplied by SMS is already the second plant module for the new Aurubis plant in the USA. The core of the plant is the Top Blown Rotary Converter (TBRC) technology, a state-of-the-art process for processing complex recycling materials to recover metallic raw materials such as copper, nickel, tin, zinc, precious metals and metals of the platinum group in further steps. These are raw materials that are indispensable for all future technologies - whether technologies in the energy transition, for climate-friendly mobility or in digitization.
"By combining the SMS group's deep plant know-how and Aurubis' unique process and raw material expertise, we are creating the conditions to recover the metals in a highly efficient way," Harings said.
"We are pleased to contribute with our plants to Aurubis' leading position in multi-metal recycling in the US. With the planned doubling of production volume at the new U.S. site, Aurubis will take recycling in the U.S. to the next level," said Michael Rzepczyk, member of the SMS Executive Board.
Modularity of the plants
The recycling technology acquired has the advantage of plant modularity: depending on future needs, the plant can be supplemented with further components to fit exactly. Thus, in addition to Aurubis' positioning as a pioneer in the U.S. recycling market, there is also the option of further expansion, as capacities are always secured.
"The modular system enables us to have a well-planned and prudent market strategy, which allows us to react flexibly to the needs in the US. In this way, Aurubis will benefit from the constant market growth in the U.S.," says Aurubis CEO Harings.
New recycling plant in the USA
Aurubis is doing pioneering work with the new recycling plant in the U.S. state of Georgia: the company is building the first secondary smelter specializing in multi-metal recycling in the U.S. for about € 640 million across both project stages and is thus making a targeted investment in the expansion of its own recycling business. Construction of the project started in mid-2022, and the plant is scheduled to start operations with its first stage in the first half of 2024. In 2026, the second stage will start operation, for which the delivery of the TBRCs was signed on Friday.
