KGHM secures EU strategic status for two copper projects

Europe’s efforts to secure critical raw materials have reached another milestone. The European Commission has granted Strategic Project status to two major investments by KGHM Polska Miedź, recognising their importance for European copper supply, industrial resilience and resource independence. KGHM Polska Miedź in it’s press release informed that the projects, represents a combined investment of more than PLN 9.5 billion, include development of the Retków–Grodziszcze copper-silver deposit and transformation of the Legnica Copper Smelter into an integrated recycling facility.

Both initiatives support the objectives of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which aims to strengthen domestic extraction, processing and recycling while reducing dependence on imported raw materials.

Unlocking new copper resources in Retków-Grodziszcze

The Retków-Grodziszcze project involves construction of the Retków mine shaft and associated infrastructure, forming part of KGHM’s long-term underground mining development programme. By 2055, the investment is expected to enable extraction of more than 100 million tonnes of polymetallic ore, containing approximately 1.5 million tonnes of copper and over 5,000 tonnes of silver.

Building a modern copper recycling hub in Legnica

The second strategic investment will transform the Legnica Copper Smelter and Refinery into an integrated recycling metallurgical facility capable of processing scrap containing 15–60% copper, alongside associated metals, including nickel. Once operational, the upgraded facility is expected to produce approximately 135,000 tonnes of electrolytic copper and 250 tonnes of nickel annually.

The project directly supports the CRMA objective of meeting at least 25% of the EU’s annual strategic raw material consumption through recycling capacity. However, securing sufficient high-quality copper scrap will be essential to achieving these ambitions, highlighting the importance of a stable European secondary raw materials market.

Strategic Recognition with Practical Benefits

Strategic Project status could provide both investments with more predictable permitting procedures, improved administrative coordination and opportunities to access preferential external financing. Remigiusz Paszkiewicz, President of KGHM, emphasised that the Commission’s decision confirms the fundamental importance of the company’s investments for European security. He also called for further measures to ensure adequate copper supply and stabilise the critical raw materials scrap market.

For KGHM, the recognition strengthens its position within the European copper value chain. For the EU, it highlights a broader industrial strategy, combining primary mineral extraction with advanced recycling to build a more resilient and circular metals economy.