Building One of Europe’s Leading Circular Copper Production Facilities
As electrification accelerates worldwide, demand for sustainably produced copper continues to grow rapidly.
Renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, power grids and digital infrastructure all rely heavily on high-purity copper, making it one of the most strategic materials for the global energy transition. At the same time, the industry faces increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and strengthen circular economy practices.
Across Europe, investments in recycled copper refining are gaining momentum as industries seek to secure critical raw materials while supporting more sustainable production models. Copper is increasingly recognized as a strategic material for Europe’s energy transition.
Among these initiatives, developed by Cunext Group in Córdoba, Spain, Factoría Cobre Verde represents one of Europe’s most significant investments in sustainable copper refining and circular resource valorisation. The facility is designed to produce 100,000 tonnes of high-purity copper cathodes annually from recycled copper feedstock, with future expansion potential to 130,000 tonnes per year.
By transforming recycled materials into high-purity cathodes, Factoría Cobre Verde contributes to a more circular and resilient European copper value chain. The project is supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the InvestEU programme, reflecting its strategic contribution to European industrial competitiveness and the energy transition.
Delivering a project of this scale requires the integration of advanced electrorefining technology, specialized engineering and reliable electrical infrastructure. Within this broader industrial framework, METTOP contributes electrorefining know-how, while FRIEM supplies the high-current rectifier systems that provide the stable DC power required by the electrolytic process.
Project At a Glance
| Project | Factoría Cobre Verde |
| Developer / Client | Cunext Group |
| Location | Córdoba, Spain |
| Application | Copper electrorefining |
| Annual capacity | 100,000 tonnes of high-purity copper cathodes |
| Feedstock | Recycled copper |
| Institutional support | European Investment Bank and InvestEU |
| FRIEM scope | Two high-current rectifier systems |
Technology integration
Copper electrorefining requires a stable, high-current DC power supply to support process efficiency, operational continuity and cathode quality.
FRIEM supplied two rectifier systems, rated at 250 V DC / 48 kA and 40 V DC / 25 kA, as part of the wider technology platform of Factoría Cobre Verde.
The systems are designed for demanding industrial operating conditions and support stable electrical performance for continuous electrorefining operations. Their role is one element within the integrated process and infrastructure developed by Cunext Group for the project.
Learn more, download the full Case Study.
Why Factoría Cobre Verde matters
A strategic European investment in circular copper.
Sources & References:
- European Commission – Critical Raw Materials
- European Investment Bank – Recycled copper production in Córdoba
- Cunext Group – Sustainability
- One of Europe’s major investments in recycled copper production
- 100,000 tonnes per year of high-purity copper cathode capacity
- Recycled copper feedstock supporting circular resource use
- Contribution to a more resilient European copper value chain
- Supported by the EIB and the InvestEU programme
- Copper supply for electrification, renewable energy, mobility and digital infrastructure
Learn More
Discover how specialized power conversion technology contributes to the broader industrial platform behind Factoría Cobre Verde.
Download the full case study