German metals producer Aurubis is set to ramp up operations at its newly built copper recycling smelter in Richmond, Georgia, marking a significant milestone in the U.S. recycling landscape. The $800 million facility, which took four years to complete, will process 180,000 metric tons of complex copper scrap annually and produce 70,000 tons of refined copper. This project represents the first large-scale secondary copper smelter in North America.
Aurubis CEO Toralf Haag highlighted the strategic importance of the U.S. market, noting that most copper scrap in North America is currently exported rather than processed domestically. In 2024 alone, the U.S. exported nearly 960,000 tons of copper scrap, with 41% shipped to China, 11% to Canada, and 10% to Thailand. “Having a facility in the U.S. is beneficial for us,” Haag said during an interview at the CESCO and CRU copper conferences. The Richmond smelter positions Aurubis as a key player in reshoring copper recycling capacity within the U.S.
The facility’s launch comes amid rising global demand for recycled copper, driven by its critical role in renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles. Copper scrap sources include the auto industry, telecom cables, and increasingly data centers—where rapid technological advancements mean copper components are replaced every three to five years.
Aurubis’ investment aligns with U.S. efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical materials. President Donald Trump has initiated an investigation into potential tariffs on imported copper and scrap metal to encourage local processing and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Such policies could further enhance the importance of Aurubis’ Richmond facility in meeting domestic demand for refined copper.
Looking ahead, Aurubis has hinted at potential additional investments in U.S. recycling capacity but remains focused on fully delivering the Richmond project first. The company expects this facility to play a pivotal role in addressing the growing need for sustainable and efficient copper recycling solutions.
