Aurubis and Nussir terminate memorandum of understanding regarding future concentrate supply

On August 11, 2020, Aurubis signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Norwegian mine partner Nussir ASA with the goal of entering into a supply contract for copper concentrates at a later date. Nussir plans to operate the world’s first fully electrified mine with zero CO2 emissions. This would be completely in line with the targets of the Aurubis Sustainability Strategy regarding CO2 reduction in the entire supply chain.

Since the signing, Aurubis has regularly reviewed the progress on site within the context of CSR (corporate social responsibility) due diligence. In the process, the company had to realize that, in addition to commercial conditions, certain social aspects of the project need to be given even greater consideration. Aurubis and Nussir have therefore made the decision to now terminate the memorandum of understanding.

“We regret that we have had to make this decision at this point in time. Our responsibility in the supply chain is fundamental,” emphasizes Michael Hellemann, Senior Vice President Commercial at Aurubis AG. He says, “As much as we acknowledge and welcome the mine’s approach of zero CO2 emissions, for us, all sustainability criteria have to be fulfilled.”

He sums it up as follows: “We can only be successful in the future if we continue spreading an understanding of sustainability in all areas and activities of the company.”