30 years of FSD at Aurubis Olen: three decades of expertise, innovation and teamwork

• Which changes have had the greatest impact on FSD's operations?

Kevin: "Without a doubt, safety has been one of the most important developments. A good example is the introduction of LOTO (Lockout-Tagout), which ensures that installations are safely shut down and secured before work begins. Personal protective equipment and clear safety procedures also play a vital role. In addition, the department's technical operations have evolved significantly. S74 electrowinning was replaced by electrolysis, and both work organisation and process management have continued to develop over the years."

Kristof: "FSD has also undergone a major technological transformation. In 2016, the sorting robot was introduced. Before that, sorting was performed manually, which required considerable physical effort. The sorting robot improved safety while also making the process more efficient."

• How has the approach to safety evolved over the past thirty years?

Kevin: "Safety has become increasingly prominent in our daily operations. One important example is LOTO, which contributes to the safe execution of maintenance work on installations. Our department was actively involved in rolling out the LOTO system. The approach was later adopted by other departments as well. In this way, we strengthen our safety culture and work according to shared principles."

Kristof: "Safety is deeply embedded in Aurubis' DNA and significant efforts have been made over the past three decades to achieve this. We place strong emphasis on Last Minute Risk Analyses (LMRA), carefully assessing all relevant factors before work starts. Clear procedures and a consistent approach across departments play a crucial role in our safety culture."

• What role does the team play when the department faces challenges?

Bavo: "Collaboration between colleagues is essential. Everyone contributes to a complex production process. The team's knowledge, commitment and involvement form the foundation of our daily operations."

Kristof: "A good example is the start-up of BOB (Bleed Olen Beerse), a department closely linked to FSD. FSD colleagues made an important contribution to the project. It required a great deal of willingness and flexibility from the team, particularly to realise the necessary modifications and connections. Thanks in part to their efforts, we are now able to process bleed internally in Olen. It demonstrates how important teamwork is when building successful new initiatives."

• What makes FSD unique within the Aurubis Group?

Kristof: "Our expertise and flexibility enable us to process different types of anodes into high-quality cathodes. This is what distinguishes FSD within the Aurubis Group. We continue to develop our operations to remain flexible, respond to various material streams and seize new opportunities.

In addition, many activities are carried out while production continues as much as possible. During repairs to circulation tanks, for example, we focus on limiting production losses to the greatest extent possible. This requires technical expertise, careful preparation and close collaboration between colleagues."

• What does flexibility mean in practical terms for FSD colleagues?

Bavo: "Flexibility means being open to change and continuously challenging the way we work. Because we process different types of anodes, we regularly adapt our approach to specific circumstances. This requires process knowledge, an open mindset and a willingness to explore new solutions."

Kevin: "What makes me especially proud is the flexibility within the team. Whenever a challenge arises, colleagues are ready to work together towards a solution. That willingness to help one another truly makes a difference."

• Which moment or project will you never forget?

Kristof: "The opening of the renovated FOG FSD-BOB workshop in 2024. The facility was expanded with two new halls and a modernised workshop, featuring a clear layout and adapted workspaces for welders, electricians and other maintenance professionals. New offices, workstations and equipment have also contributed to a more ergonomic and efficient working environment. The project required close cooperation between Maintenance and Engineering. It is rewarding to see how we continue investing in both our operations and our colleagues' working environment."

Bavo: "For me, the continuous pursuit of greater flexibility in our operations stands out the most. We constantly explore ways to improve our processes and expand our capabilities while maintaining the quality of our cathodes. That forward-looking mindset is characteristic of FSD."

• How do you see the future of FSD?

Kristof: "We will continue to focus on providing a safe and healthy working environment. Our flexibility remains a key strength in refining anodes of varying qualities. By exploring new opportunities, we can further develop our capabilities and respond proactively to changes in our processes and installations.

The management and maintenance of our installations will also remain key priorities. By carefully planning maintenance and repair activities alongside production, we continue to ensure reliable operations and maintain the high quality of our cathodes."

• What message would you like to give to the next generation of colleagues?

Bavo: "Keep looking towards the future with an open mind. Dare to think innovatively and embrace challenges. By sharing knowledge, staying critical and working together to find solutions, we can continue evolving FSD for many years to come."

Kristof and Kevin: "We fully agree with that."