The German-based copper producer Aurubis Bulgaria launched an extension of its cathode copper refinery and the construction of two new photovoltaic parks.
At BGN 800 million (409 million euros), this is the largest German investment in Bulgaria, Aurubis Group CEO Roland Harings said during the event.
– This is an important day for Bulgaria and for Bulgarian-German relations – Industry Minister Petko Nikolov said at the ceremony. He pointed out that the Government is focusing precisely on investments like this one, as they generate a higher added value in Bulgarian industry and production.
Once extended, the cathode copper refinery will increase its production capacity from 230,000 tonnes to 340,000 tonnes annually.
After the construction of two new photovoltaic parks and with the addition of a fourth one next year, the clean electricity production capacity will reach 41 MWp.
This programme is part of a long-term strategy to make the company carbon-neutral by 2050 and ensure the sustainable production of materials that are key for the European economy.
Aurubis Bulgaria’s main lines of business are the processing of copper concentrates and the manufacture of cathode copper, copper anodes, and co-products including sulfuric acid and iron silicate. In 2019 the company accounted for 8% of this country’s total exports and 4% of the total imports. It is the largest taxpayer in Bulgaria.
