Aurubis AG, one of the world’s largest copper recyclers and a leading provider of non-ferrous metals, has completed the modernization of its shaft furnace at the Avellino site in Italy. The €5 million investment marks a key milestone in enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and long-term competitiveness of copper wire rod production.
Copper wire, essential for data centers, renewable energy, electrification, and e-mobility, is a strategic material at the core of Europe’s energy transition. The modernization has increased production capacity at Avellino by nearly 20% while lowering energy use and reducing CO₂ emissions.
The shaft furnace, central to wire rod production, operates by feeding copper cathodes and high-purity scrap from the top, where they are preheated by rising hot gases before melting at the bottom. This process maximizes energy efficiency and throughput.
Upgrades included extending the furnace shaft, installing a new shell, modernizing the refractory lining, optimizing the charging system, and preparing the site for a future-ready burner and combustion setup. These improvements lay the foundation for further decarbonization and sustainable energy solutions.
“Modernizing the shaft furnace provides the foundation for more energy-efficient and future-ready production in Avellino. At the same time, it strengthens our market position and ensures the long-term supply of strategically important copper wire rod for our customers,” said Bernardino Greco, Site Manager at Aurubis Avellino.
Tim Kurth, Chief Operations Officer for Custom Smelting and Products, added: “The investment secures an advanced supply of copper wire, a key product for the major transformation trends, and plays a decisive role in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.”
Aurubis plans a second upgrade phase in August 2026, which will introduce a new natural gas combustion system expected to lower gas consumption by up to 10%. Once completed, the full production capacity increase will take effect.
The Avellino site is also the first in Italy to begin the process of securing The Copper Mark certification, an independent assurance framework promoting responsible copper value chain practices.
