Cora

How did you find out about Aurubis as an employer, and what made you decide to join Aurubis?

Aurubis, Europe's largest copper producer, was already a topic of interest during my studies (non-ferrous metallurgy in Freiberg). After various internships in Hamburg and Olen, I completed my thesis at the Lünen site in 2014, which gave me an insight into recycling. At the end of my thesis, everything fell into place: the Research & Development department was looking to expand and I was looking for a job. Since I got along well with my colleagues on a personal level and the work promised to be exciting, I started as a project engineer in R&D in February 2015.

What has your career at Aurubis been like so far? Have you held different positions or perhaps even worked in different departments and locations since you started at Aurubis? If you haven't been with Aurubis for very long, what are your impressions and experiences after your first few months?

From February 2015, I worked as a project engineer in the Research & Development department (now Research & Development), where I was primarily involved in pyrometallurgical tasks for the Lünen site. However, some projects also involved other sites. Since May 2021, I have been working as a production engineer in the smelting plant (KRS/KRS+ division), dealing with the practical aspects of pyrometallurgy.

What has motivated you in your career so far? What motivated you to take these career steps (at Aurubis)?

I find the exciting, future-oriented topics surrounding recycling motivating and refreshing. Optimisations, even the smallest ones, contribute to resource conservation. During my work in R&D, I greatly appreciated the many opportunities to broaden my horizons (business trips, training courses, exchanges with universities, various projects). Currently, I am motivated by the more practical approach to problem solving, especially for metallurgical/process engineering issues. 

How would you explain your job to a toddler?

I make sure that waste, such as a telephone, is turned back into metal. This can then be used again to make a new telephone or cable.

Which five technical terms are important for your work?

• Distribution coefficient
• Refractory wear
• Waste heat boiler
• Cross-hair analysis

What makes Aurubis unique for you?

Aurubis' economically stable position, which provides a secure basis for experimentation (in every respect) and allows us to ‘think outside the box’ without constant and critical cost constraints. I also like the collegial atmosphere in Lünen and the fact that we all pull together to achieve safe and efficient production.

If Aurubis were a person, what would characterize that person?

A wealth of experience, a rather security-oriented attitude (from a financial point of view), curious about new things but with a safe distance and a step-by-step approach.

Is there anything, a nice anecdote or a special experience that you associate with Aurubis?

In 2017, I had the opportunity to spend five weeks at a university in Australia for further training. This opportunity is not something to be taken for granted and was exciting and educational.

Is there a big dream that you would like to fulfill someday?

An extended trip to Patagonia with my partner.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Horse riding, sports, trips with friends. At the moment, however, I'm spending a lot of time on my PhD.