Aurubis Bulgaria implemented a project to create a safer and greener work environment for over 500 employees

Aurubis Bulgaria AD has successfully implemented the “Adapted Work Environment” project, carried out with the support of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the “Human Resources Development” program for 2021–2027. The initiative aims to improve working conditions and introduce more sustainable production practices within the company.

The results were presented at a closing event held at the company’s production facility in the Srednogorie region. Among the guests were Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy Natalia Efremova, the head of the program’s Managing Authority Tsvetan Spasov, and Vasil Zhivkov, the European Commission’s representative in Bulgaria. Also in attendance were the mayor of the municipality of Pirdop, Angel Gerov, representatives of local authorities, educational institutions in the region, and company employees.

“This project has direct value for our company, as it is linked to safer working conditions, a better work environment, and the establishment of high environmental standards that we consistently adhere to,” said Nikolay Raikov, Manager of Strategic Projects and Planning at Aurubis Bulgaria. “The results show that when businesses and institutions work in partnership, sustainable solutions with long-term effects can be achieved,” he added.

The "Adapted Work Environment" project covers more than 500 employees. As part of the project, new work organization models were implemented, aimed at reducing the environmental footprint, as well as “green cards”—specific safety and decarbonization instructions tailored to the characteristics of each workplace. Some employees were also equipped with top-of-the-line personal protective equipment.

During the event, Dr. Petar Gadzhev, the company’s legal counsel and project manager, presented the key findings, emphasizing the practical application of the implemented green work models and their role in employees’ daily activities.

“We are at the largest copper production plant in Southeast Europe. Copper is a strategic resource for the green transition—without it, there would be no electric vehicles or renewable energy. But scale is not measured solely by production volumes, but also by the care for the people behind this success,” emphasized Deputy Minister Natalia Efremova.

The deputy minister and the guests also visited the construction site for the expansion of the cathode copper refininery. The project is part of the ongoing investment program “Investments for Progress. Bulgaria 2027,” valued at €400 million, and aims to increase cathode copper production capacity by 50%—to 340,000 tons per year.  The expansion is expected to contribute to the sustainable development of the industry and economic growth, while supporting European energy transition policies. Cathode copper is a major export for Bulgaria.