Aurubis Secures EUR 200 Million from EIB to Drive Recycling and Copper Production

Strategic Insights -

Aurubis AG, a leading global provider of non-ferrous metals and one of the largest copper recyclers worldwide, has secured a EUR 200 million investment loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to support its strategic investments in a sustainable future. The loan will be used to expand copper refining at Aurubis' Bulgarian site and scale up metal recycling and environmental protection at its Hamburg plant. This financing commitment represents the first EIB financing for the sector since the adoption of the new EIB Group strategy to secure Europe's access to critical raw materials earlier this year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Aurubis has secured a EUR 200 million investment loan from the EIB to support its strategic investments in a sustainable future.
  • The loan will be used to expand copper refining at Aurubis' Bulgarian site and scale up metal recycling and environmental protection at its Hamburg plant.
  • The financing commitment represents the first EIB financing for the sector since the adoption of the new EIB Group strategy to secure Europe's access to critical raw materials earlier this year.
  • Aurubis anticipates a commissioning of the expanded tankhouse at its Bulgarian production site in fiscal year 2025/26, which will support a 50% increase in copper production to 340,000 tons per year.
  • The new Aurubis facility at the Hamburg plant will process around 30,000 additional tons of recycled material, closing both internal and external material loops and reinforcing the company's contribution to the circular economy.
  • Experts predict that global demand for copper will double by 2050, emphasizing the importance of secure copper supply chains.
  • The EIB's first loan following the adoption of its new critical raw materials strategy will boost copper recycling, fortify European value chains, and advance implementation of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act.
  • The loan will support both projects reinforcing sustainable metal production and support key EU policy objectives such as economic growth, regional development, and sustainable business practices.
  • The financing will also create new jobs and support Bulgarian economic development.

Statistics:

  • EUR 200 million investment loan secured by Aurubis from the EIB to support its strategic investments in a sustainable future.
  • 50% increase in copper production anticipated at Aurubis' Bulgarian production site to 340,000 tons per year.
  • 30,000 additional tons of recycled material to be processed at the new Aurubis facility at the Hamburg plant.
  • EUR 120 million investment in expanding the tankhouse at the Bulgarian production site.
  • EUR 190 million Complex Recycling Hamburg (CRH) investment program at the Hamburg plant.

Sources:

  • European Investment Bank. "Aurubis secures EUR 200 million from EIB to drive recycling and copper production." [EIB Press Release, 2025]
  • Aurubis AG. "Aurubis responsibly transforms raw materials into value." [Aurubis AG Website, 2025]