Environmental protection at Berango

A strong focus on dust abatement systems and dust management has always been key for the site. Since 2015, several projects and measures to further reduce fugitive emissions have been implemented as part of an effectiveness management system. This program includes, for example, a diffuse emission monitoring project and 3D simulation of particle movement in foundry and drying plant buildings. One of these projects carried out includes improving dust extraction in warehouse 1 to reduce emissions.

Environmentally sound multimetal production surrounded by mountains and close to the Ría de Mundaka-Cabo de Ogoño Marine Area (~ 3.5 km north) as well as Ría del Barbadun (~ 10 km southwest) nature reserves requires a special commitment that goes beyond the legal requirements. Protecting the environment and the health of our neighbors and employees comes first and is the foundation for safeguarding the site’s future. For example, trees have been planted around the factory to make the area more environmentally friendly and more sustainable. Maintenance of green areas has also increased.

The noise of all production plants at the Berango site complies with the environmental permit guidelines. As a part of our noise plan, measurements for further improvement were identified for various facilities to further reduce noise levels. After the results obtained no further action will be required.

The site’s water demand is covered by withdrawals from a groundwater source. All of the site’s wastewater is centralized and is composed of rainwater and process wastewater. Rainwater is collected on-site and treated together with process wastewater in the wastewater treatment plant. Measures to improve water management have been implemented, such as the installation of a new water treatment plant with a higher treatment capacity, and an increase in water storage capacity through the construction of a new separate tank for fire protection. A dashboard for monitoring water consumption has been implemented to enhance transparency and control of water consumption. The two authorised groundwater catchments were successfully completed and Aurubis Berango is awaiting the exploitation permit as a preliminary step to starting water collection.

Investing in environmental protection measures is extremely important to us. Since 2012, we have invested some € 13 million for this purpose.

The main investments have been measures for reducing fugitive emissions, noise emissions and water use. The renewal of the air control systems, the new wastewater treatment plant together with water management improvements, better diffuse emissions monitoring, and preventing landslides have been the most important projects in recent years.

Degree of implementation/Date/Next steps:

• Diffuse emission monitoring project: 3D simulation of particle movement 
• New dust extraction system (filter and suction devices)
• Improvements to the buildings’ envelopes

Status:

• New dust extraction system (filter and suction devices) already implemented in September 2025.
• Repairs to the roofs of the foundry building and the side walls of the warehouses have been completed.

Degree of implementation/Date/Next steps:

• New wastewater treatment plant started operation in January 2023
• New data visualization system and KPIs in the process control system implemented in January 2026
• Two groundwater catchments commissioned, the second one in January 2026.

Status:

• waiting the exploitation permit as a preliminary step to starting water collection in groundwater catchments.

Degree of implementation:

• Implementation of measures to prevent landslides in various areas

Status:

• Completed

Degree of implementation:

• Implementation of measures to prevent landslides in various areas March 2025.

Status:

• Completed