Aurubis opens new recycling plant in Belgium

Aurubis opened its ASPA plant, or Advanced Sludge Processing by Aurubis, at its site in Beerse, Belgium, on Sept. 4.

The company broke ground on the addition in late 2022.

A hydrometallurgical process that was developed in-house, Aurubis COO of Multimetal Recycling Inge Hofkens said the plant “is another prime example of Aurubis’ innovative strength.”

“We are pioneering sustainable multimetal production and are now taking recycling to the next level," she said.

The ASPA facility will process anode sludge, an intermediate product from electrolytic copper refining produced at the Aurubis recycling sites in Beerse and Lünen in Germany. The new process delivers faster extraction of more precious metals as well as the full recovery of tin from the anode sludge, according to the company.

With this investment of roughly 33 million euros (more than $36 million), the company says it is committing to further developing Aurubis Beerse and to connecting the European sites even more strongly.

Aurubis’ plant in Beerse processes more than 200,000 tons of multimetal scrap annually, ranging from complex residues to higher-grade scrap types, producing metals, metal products and minerals.

“I am proud to be opening the new ASPA facility today; it is a true achievement for the Aurubis Beerse team after years of dedication,” Managing Director of Aurubis Beerse Dirk Vandenberghe said Sept. 4. “The successful startup of ASPA directly results from the expertise and metallurgical know-how but also from team spirit and a profound commitment to the circular economy.”

Hofkens added, “Metal recycling is a growth area for Aurubis, and Aurubis is increasingly distinguishing itself as an essential cornerstone in the European circular economy.”

In addition to ASPA, the company is opening a new secondary smelter in Augusta, Georgia, and another recycling plant to recover nickel and copper at its Olen site, she says.

Since the acquisition of the sites in Beerse and Berango, Spain, in 2020 from Metallo, Aurubis has further expanded its role as one of the world’s leading copper recyclers, processing more than 1 million tons of recyclable materials per year.

With ASPA, Aurubis is creating about 20 additional jobs in Beerse, which employs roughly 500 people.

“With the realization of the ASPA project, Aurubis Beerse is living up to its intentions; with an eye to the future, it is ensuring the more efficient use of our raw materials and a more environmentally friendly approach," Beerse Mayor Bart Craane said. "A great and sustainable investment.”