Aurubis Strengthens Sustainability with New Hydrometallurgical Bleed Treatment Facility
Aurubis has officially launched its new hydrometallurgical bleed treatment plant (BOB) in Olen, Belgium. The facility is designed to recover valuable metals such as nickel and copper from the electrolyte streams generated at the company’s tankhouses in Olen and Beerse. This is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to expanding its recycling capabilities within Europe and supporting the circular economy. The Olen plant processes up to 135,000 tons of multimetal recycling materials each year and produces high-purity copper cathodes and various copper products including rods, foxrods, and profiles.
Supporting Circular Economy and Maximizing Resource Efficiency
The BOB plant, integral to Aurubis’ recycling operations, is a significant addition to its Belgian production cluster. The plant’s main function is to extract valuable metals from complex recycling materials while removing impurities from bleed streams. This allows Aurubis to recover important metals like nickel and copper more efficiently, maximizing the use of these resources within Europe, while also contributing to the company’s overall sustainability goals. Aurubis emphasizes that this advanced facility enables better processing of ever-changing input materials from dynamic and evolving recycling markets.
The company aims to keep strategic metals within Europe, supporting a sustainable supply chain for industries that rely on these materials, particularly in the context of Europe’s green transition and the demand for clean energy technologies. Aurubis’ COO of Multimetal Recycling, Inge Hofkens, commented, “BOB demonstrates our commitment to innovation in the circular economy. It will allow us to process valuable metals optimally and responsibly, ensuring we contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Economic and Environmental Impact for Flanders
The Olen facility represents an investment of 85 million euros ($90.5 million), underlining the region’s importance as a hub for sustainable industry. The plant’s opening has also led to the creation of 30 new jobs, further bolstering the local economy. Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele praised the investment, emphasizing its alignment with Flanders’ strategic ambitions for sustainability and innovation. The new recycling plant demonstrates the region’s commitment to establishing itself as an attractive investment destination with a focus on entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Recognition for Sustainability Excellence
Aurubis’ dedication to sustainability has been further recognized with the recent “2024 Most Sustainable Company” award in the Circular Economy category at the Trends Impact Awards. This recognition highlights the company’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and its leadership in advancing the circular economy through innovative recycling processes. Aurubis continues to strengthen its core business, aiming to set industry standards in sustainability and metal recovery.
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