PARTNER TEXT

KGHM has commissioned an analysis of the environmental and carbon footprint for its products: cathodes, wire rod, and Cu-OFE wire. The analysis was conducted by the Institute of Metal Economy and Energy of the Polish Academy of Sciences in accordance with ISO standards, and environmental declarations were prepared. KGHM's copper products have a footprint lower than the global average.

– At KGHM, we have a strategy and policies regarding pro-ecological actions, emission reduction plans, and we approach these issues with great responsibility. The concept of climate competitiveness, which is becoming crucial in the global economic market, is not foreign to us. The environmental footprint of KGHM's products shows one thing – we know exactly what we are doing, we care about the external environment, we invest, and we achieve our goals – said Tomasz Zdzikot, President of the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.

Tomasz Zdzikot added that responsible environmental management in companies begins with measuring how a given enterprise impacts the environment and climate. Therefore, the decision was made to calculate the environmental footprint, including the carbon footprint for copper products. The analysis covers a range of parameters, including greenhouse gas emissions, from raw material extraction through energy consumption in the production process to the preparation of the final product.

Environmental Footprint of KGHM Products:

[Image Placeholder: 'ślad produktów KGHM PL']

Green KGHM

The conducted analyses confirm that KGHM's smelters (Legnica Copper Smelter, Głogów Copper Smelter, Cedynia Copper Smelter) produce metals responsibly and in accordance with the highest standards. The smelters have implemented an Environmental Management System compliant with the requirements of ISO 14001. Additionally, the Legnica and Głogów plants hold the international Copper Mark certification. KGHM expects the Cedynia Copper Smelter to join this group soon.

Responding to global sustainable development challenges, KGHM has adopted an ambitious Climate Policy, in which it has declared achieving climate neutrality by 2050. In the next 7 years, the company will strive to meet its energy needs by 50% from its own sources, including renewables. Currently, the operation of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.'s combined heat and power (CHP) plants can cover up to 20% of its electricity demand.

KGHM, while diversifying its electricity sources across the entire Capital Group, also focuses on energy from solar, wind, and hydrogen. The company is building photovoltaic power plants and continuing projects in offshore wind energy and hydrogen sources. Furthermore, KGHM is involved in the development of nuclear energy in the country.

World-Class Products

Copper cathodes produced at the Głogów and Legnica Copper Smelters are the primary product of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. They are characterized by very high quality, confirmed by certificates issued by the London Metal Exchange, the Shanghai Futures Exchange, and the International Energy Exchange in Shanghai (INE). The quality is guaranteed by the brands: HML for the Legnica Smelter, HMG-S for the Głogów I Smelter, and HMG-B for the Głogów Smelter, under which they are registered on the London Metal Exchange in the 'A' grade.

Copper wire rod with a diameter of 8 mm is produced through the Contirod® continuous melting, casting, and rolling process, mainly using its own cathodes manufactured at KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. plants. The Cedynia Copper Smelter produces wire rod in five quality grades, tailored to various customer needs. The product finds application primarily in the cable, electromachinery, and electrical engineering industries. The wire rod market, due to its characteristics, is highly competitive and demanding.

In 2022, the production of wire rod and wire at KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. reached 284.8 thousand tons, accounting for nearly 11% of Europe's production. This result places KGHM among the leading European producers of these copper semi-finished products.