Expansion of the cathode copper refinery and construction of two new photovoltaic parks will begin at the Aurubis Bulgaria plant near Pirdop

At the “Aurubis Bulgaria” plant near Pirdop and Zlatitsa, on April 25 (Thursday), construction will begin for the expansion of the cathode copper refinery and the construction of new photovoltaic parks, the company announced.

The cathode (refined) copper production capacity will be increased from 230,000 to 340,000 tons per year. Refined copper is a key material for the energy transition, connectivity and digitalization and is Bulgaria’s main export, the plant adds.

The construction of two new photovoltaic parks – “Auribis-2” and “Auribis-3” – has also started. With the addition of a fourth next year, the green energy capacity will reach 41 MWp (megawatt peak), according to Aurubis Bulgaria.

The projects are part of the largest investment program of “Aurubis” for Bulgaria so far. The four-year program also includes replacement of energy-intensive units with energy-efficient ones, modernization of the main production in 2025, water purification and slag treatment processes. The program is part of Aurubis’ long-term strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and ensure sustainable production of key materials for the European economy, the announcement also states.