State-of-The-Art Tankhouse Technology—Factoria Copper Verde, a New Project in Spain

In Córdoba, Spain, CUNEXT is developing a cutting-edge copper refinery that prioritizes sustainability and efficient resource use. At the core of the facility is advanced tilting furnace technology, enabling the production of anodes from recycled copper scrap. This circular approach significantly reduces reliance on primary mining, conserving natural resources and mitigating environmental impacts. High-purity copper cathodes are produced through an innovative electrolysis process, ensuring superior quality and efficiency. The refinery's initial production capacity stands at 100,000 tonnes of cathodes per year, with plans to expand to 130,000 tonnes in a second phase. METTOP GmbH, based in Leoben, Austria, was selected for the engineering, procurement, and project management (EPPM), ensuring the integration of state-of-the-art technologies. A commitment to energy efficiency defines the plant’s operations, including the use of green electricity and the elimination of fossil fuels, which substantially reduces energy consumption compared to traditional methods. E-mobility solutions manage material transport within the facility, cutting dependence on gas-powered vehicles. These innovations enable one of the industry’s lowest CO₂ footprints while delivering cost savings and enhanced resource efficiency.