The site will produce key strategic metals, including copper, nickel, tin, and precious metals
Aurubis, a global provider of non-ferrous metals and a copper recycler, has established a new US site, Aurubis Richmond, which will produce key strategic metals, including copper, nickel, tin, and precious metals, in the state of Georgia. These metals are needed to expand data centres and AI applications, as well as for energy infrastructure, high-tech products, and the defence industry
The demand for strategic metals, such as copper, is steadily growing worldwide, with the American industry alone requiring approximately 1.8 million tonnes of copper annually. Experts predict that demand will increase by nearly 30% over the next five years. Currently, the US imports around half of the copper it processes; however, multimetal recycling is thought to help close this gap. Aurubis Richmond is expected to reinforce the independence of American supply chains by processing complex recycling materials.
Participants at the 'First Melt' celebration included Rick W. Allen, US representative for Georgia's 12th District, Jens Hanefeld, German ambassador to the US, and several other guests from politics and business.
Dr Toralf Haag, Aurubis AG CEO, said, “With Aurubis Richmond, we are the frontrunner in multimetal recycling and processing in the US — a position that we already hold in Europe. We will continue expanding our wide expertise in producing key strategic raw materials here. With the high availability of recycling material and good local conditions, the American market offers Aurubis appealing prospects that we will continue to consider closely in the future as well.”
In a video message, Georgia governor Brian P. Kemp said, “Aurubis Richmond is now a significant employer for Georgia and plays a major role in the American multimetal supply chain. This facility stands as a testament to American manufacturing, independence, and resiliency.”
Aurubis is creating over 240 jobs in Georgia, with the plant expected to process up to 180,000 tonnes of complex recycling material annually, including printed circuit boards, copper cable, and other metal-bearing products. The plant will recover critical metals from these materials to close the value chain on-site.
Allen said, “Aurubis Richmond is more than just a new plant; it is a strategic site in Georgia’s 12th District that reinforces America’s ability to supply itself with the metals that help strengthen our national security, our infrastructure, and our technology leadership. Aurubis exemplifies how international partnerships can contribute to solidifying America’s industrial foundation and strengthening our economic independence. I look forward to seeing the local growth and job creation this facility will bring to Richmond County.”
David Schultheis, president and managing director of Aurubis Richmond, said, “Aurubis Richmond is now an important player in the North American multimetal supply chain. I am very proud of the achievement of the entire team that developed and built this state-of-the-art recycling plant. I would like to extend my special thanks to the policymakers and governmental authorities in Georgia for the strong support, smooth approval processes, and for enabling us to settle in quickly here.”
