Aurubis Reports Increase in Copper Cathode Output for Q4 2024

Aurubis

Copper Concentrate Throughput Declines, but Recycling and Cathode Production Rise

Aurubis, Europe’s largest copper producer and recycler, reported a positive performance in copper cathode and recycled cathode production for the fourth quarter of 2024. However, the company also saw a decrease in copper concentrate throughput during the same period, reflecting some challenges in its operations.

Growth in Copper Cathode and Recycled Cathode Production

In the October-December period of 2024, Aurubis produced 152,000 tonnes of copper cathode, marking a 1% increase from the previous year. This output consisted of 95,000 tonnes from its Hamburg plant in Germany and 57,000 tonnes from its Pirdop site in Bulgaria. The increase in production reflects Aurubis’ strong operational performance in copper cathode production.

Aurubis also reported a 4% increase in recycled cathode output, which reached 130,000 tonnes in Q4 2024. This growth was driven by higher production at its Lunen site in Germany, which saw a 27% increase in recycled cathode output. Lunen’s output reached 42,000 tonnes, supported by higher tankhouse capacity. The company’s Beerse and Olen sites in Belgium also contributed 6,000 tonnes and 82,000 tonnes, respectively, to the overall recycling output.

Decline in Copper Concentrate Throughput

On the downside, Aurubis experienced a 7% decrease in copper concentrate throughput in the fourth quarter, amounting to 601,000 tonnes. The decrease was largely attributed to a 13% reduction in production at the Hamburg site, which produced 261,000 tonnes. Despite the decline, the company’s overall performance remained strong due to the rise in copper cathode and recycled cathode output.

Aurubis also saw a significant improvement in its financial results, with operating profit before tax increasing by 17% to €130 million ($135 million). This was attributed to higher metal results and stronger earnings from its copper products, reinforcing the company’s strong position in the copper market.