Aurubis Sees Copper Cathode Output Rise, Concentrate Throughput Falls

Aurubis, Europe’s top copper producer, increased its copper cathode output in Q4 2024. Recycled cathode production also rose year-on-year. However, copper concentrate throughput declined. These changes impact copper market supply.

Production Figures and Plant Performance

Aurubis produced 152,000 metric tons of copper cathode. This is a 1% increase from the prior year. Hamburg produced 95,000 metric tons. Pirdop’s output was 57,000 metric tons. Recycled cathode output reached 130,000 metric tons. Lunen’s output increased by 27% due to higher tankhouse capacity. Beerse and Olen also contributed to recycled cathode production.

Copper Concentrate Throughput Decline

Copper concentrate throughput fell by 7% to 601,000 metric tons. Hamburg’s throughput dropped by 13%, totaling 261,000 metric tons. This decline affects raw material processing. Aurubis’ operating profit before tax rose by 17% to €130 million. Higher metal results and copper product earnings drove this increase. The changes in production and profit influence copper prices. SuperMetalPrice tracks these market fluctuations.