The History of Aurubis Richmond
How it all began
Where four years ago there was just fallow land, more than 240 people now work in the largest multimetal recycling plant in the US: Aurubis Richmond LLC in Augusta, Georgia. The story of a true team effort.
Over the course of 2020
The foundation is laid: The rough design and the basic engineering are completed. They form the basis for calling for initial bids.
Summer 2021
Various possible sites had been investigated and evaluated. In September 2021 the decision is made in favor of Augusta in Richmond County, Georgia.
September 2021
The company is founded: Aurubis Richmond LLC is legally established and officially registered.
November 10, 2021
The Supervisory Board approves the construction of a new multimetal recycling plant in Augusta. At the same time, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) is signed between Aurubis and the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Roland Harings (former CEO Aurubis AG)
November 26, 2021
Aurubis and SMS sign a contract regarding the planning, delivery and assembly of the main facilities for the new Aurubis plant in the US.
June 17, 2022
The groundbreaking takes place with Governor Brian P. Kemp, business partners, and Aurubis representatives. Construction starts on the new plant.
November 2022
The blinding layer and the retention pond are nearly finished.
December 2022
The foundation of the feed mix hall and lab sampling is complete, so construction can now move upward. While construction continues on Phase 1, the Supervisory Board approves the plans for Phase 2, deciding to double capacity.
Juli 2023
David Schultheis takes over the operative management of the new plant as President & Managing Director.
March 2023
A glimpse into the furnace hall, where an impressive number of cranes are working simultaneously.
October/November 2023
The first materials are delivered in a small ceremony. The shredder and smelter furnace start operations as well.
February 1, 2024
The team numbers 100 people for the first time; it was just five roughly a year earlier. Over 130 more will behired in the months to come.
September 20, 2024
Gradual commissioning starts with the ribbon cutting at the new plant.
September 24, 2025
First Melt of Aurubis Richmond: This hot commissioning marks a milestone for Aurubis’ 800 million dollar investment – fulfilling our promise to repurpose and deliver essential American metals, strengthen American supply chains, and drive American industry, American jobs, and American innovation for generations to come.
