Aurubis Begins Copper Production at U.S. Multimetal Recycling Plant in Georgia

Aurubis Richmond Begins Strategic Copper Production in Augusta

Aurubis AG has officially started producing recycled copper and other strategic metals at its newly completed facility in Augusta, Georgia. Branded as Aurubis Richmond, the plant is the first of its kind in the United States—a multimetal recycling facility designed to recover critical materials such as copper, nickel, tin, and precious metals. With this launch, Aurubis is positioning itself as a central player in strengthening U.S. energy infrastructure and defense supply chains.

This state-of-the-art $800 million secondary smelter can process up to 180,000 tons of end-of-life materials annually. The feedstock includes printed circuit boards and copper wire, enabling the plant to recover high-value nonferrous metals. By integrating metal recovery and processing on-site, Aurubis aims to “close the value chain” and reduce reliance on virgin materials and foreign imports. Currently, the U.S. imports nearly half of its annual copper needs—around 1.8 million tons—underscoring the urgency of domestic solutions like this.

During a celebratory “First Melt” ceremony this week, U.S. Representative Rick W. Allen and German Ambassador Jens Hanefeld highlighted the project’s strategic significance. Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp also praised the investment, calling it a model of American manufacturing resilience. Aurubis CEO Dr. Toralf Haag emphasized that the U.S. market offers “appealing prospects” due to strong recycling material availability and favorable operating conditions.

A Strategic Move for U.S. Metal Independence

Aurubis’ entry into the American market marks a critical shift toward localized metal supply chains. The company, already a leader in European multimetal recycling, is replicating its successful model in a country where demand for critical metals continues to rise sharply. Copper alone plays a key role in everything from electric vehicles to semiconductors and renewable energy systems.

The Richmond plant will support not just industrial and infrastructure needs but also national security. As Representative Allen noted, the facility reinforces America’s capacity to self-supply vital materials. The project demonstrates the tangible benefits of international industrial partnerships in building a more independent and resilient U.S. economy.

Aurubis’ commitment extends beyond operations. With the facility generating new employment and injecting capital into Georgia’s 12th Congressional District, the company is embedding itself deeply within the regional and national industrial landscape.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Aurubis’ strategic investment in Georgia could not come at a more critical time. As geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions persist, domestic sourcing of copper and other key metals is essential. This facility doesn’t just recover metals—it recovers control over supply and cost predictability. With circular economy models gaining traction, Aurubis’ closed-loop, high-efficiency recycling is aligned with both policy goals and market demand. Expect this move to influence other global producers eyeing North America.