Copper cathodes

The cathode is the basic product of copper production. It is produced in a marketable form at Aurubis for use in high-quality applications.

A cathode – a 50 to 80 kg copper square – is produced when pure copper separates from unwrought copper in an electrolytic refining process. Aurubis produces about 1.2 million t of cathodes with a copper content of at least 99.99 % per year in Germany (Hamburg, Lünen), Belgium (Olen) and Bulgaria (Pirdop)

Aurubis cathodes are produced with ISA Technology and comply with the cathode standards LME Grade A, Cu-CATH-1 (EN 1978) and Copper Cathodes Grade 1 (ASTM B115). Aurubis cathode production sites are all certified in accordance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

Copper cathodes with specific maximum impurity levels are also registered and traded on the London Metal Exchange and the Comex. High-quality copper is distinguished by low impurity levels, as even the smallest amounts of selenium, bismuth or antimony in the ppm range can strongly influence conductivity.
The Aurubis copper cathode brands NA-ESN, HK, OLEN and PIRDOP are registered on the LME and have a very high level of purity and constant quality, regardless of the input materials. These cathodes form the basis for our high-quality copper products.

Dimensions of Aurubis cathodes

	NA-ESN	HK	OLEN	PIRDOP
Length (approx.)	965 mm	1060 mm	1005 mm	1000 mm
Width (approx.)	975 mm	906 mm	995 mm	1020 mm
Thickness (ca.)	5-10 mm	5-10 mm	5-10 mm	5-10 mm
Weight (approx.)	50-70 kg	50-70 kg	50-70 kg	50-80 kg

Analysis of NA-ESN, HK, OLEN and PIRDOP cathodes (Data in ppm)

Pb

Bi

As

Sb

Sn

Zn

Fe

Ni

Co

Cr

Cd

Mn

Se

Te

Ag

S

<1

<0.5

1

<1

<2

1

<1

<0.5

10-17

<5

These cathode brands comply with the cathode standards ASTM B 115, Grade 1, DIN EN 1978 and Cu-KATH-1.

Aurubis cathode production sites are all certified in accordance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

Sustainability

Transparency product data

Metals are essential to the modern world, and transparency is key to reducing their environmental impact. For five years, Aurubis has published independently verified Environmental Footprint Declarations (EFDs), based on Life Cycle Assessment methodology and verified by TÜV NORD. In 2026, we now cover 14 product groups, pioneering transparency in our industry. Where comparable benchmarks exist, our products perform better. Where they don't, we are setting new standards for transparency. Because reliable data enables better decisions, measurable progress and more sustainable value chains. Our contribution to a net-zero future.