Project Spotlights

Project RDE – Reducing Diffuse Emissions

An innovative exhaust system, the largest environmental protection
measure at Aurubis Hamburg since the 1980s

Responsible corporate governance and the highest sustainability standards are part of our identity. With a new, innovative exhaust system for Reducing Diffuse Emissions (RDE) at the Hamburg site, Aurubis is setting standards in environmentally friendly primary copper production, thus demonstrating a clear commitment to sustainability. Through extensive investments in the installation, Aurubis is now also reducing residual diffuse emissions from primary copper production that previously couldn’t be captured from a technical standpoint. As a result, Aurubis is securing the future of the site, which is close to the city, as requirements for environmental protection increase. One component of RDE is the nearly emission-free processing of intermediate products from primary copper production in a new, closed building extension. This will also be connected to the exhaust system by 2022.

RDE at a glance
  • € 85 million investment in environmental protection
  • Automatic control of the 71 m2 ridge turrets in alignment with current needs
  • Pipeline system with a total length of185 m and an inner diameter of 4.50 m
  • Over 6,300 filter elements
  • Up to 540,000 Nm³/h air suction capacity
  • Filtering of particles smaller than 10 μm
  • 1.5 years of preparation, 1.5 years of construction
  • Commissioning in October 2021
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