Glencore is investing around €33 million to modernize the zinc smelter in Nordenham.

Nordenham (Germany), 11. Februar 2026

At Glencore’s Nordenham site, one of the largest technical projects of recent years has begun: the comprehensive modernization of the roasting plant at the zinc smelter. The core of the project is the replacement of the fluidized-bed furnace, which had been in operation since the 1970s. In addition, more than 20 further individual technical projects will be implemented. In total, Glencore will invest around €33 million in Nordenham during the planned 80-day shutdown.

“We reviewed various options – from simply replacing the aging furnace roof to fully replacing the fluidized-bed furnace and we decided on a complete rebuild. This is a strong sign of confidence in the Nordenham site,” explains Dr. Toni Helbig, Operations Director of the zinc smelter.

“Alongside rebuilding this key unit, the other projects are also aimed at significantly improving the overall technical setup and the quality of various components. With the new fluidized-bed furnace, we will have a state-of-the-art roasting plant and thus lay the foundation for stable production,” he says.

The fluidized-bed furnace is a central component of zinc production. It produces the so-called roasted material, which is then further processed in the leaching plant. To ensure zinc production during the shutdown, Glencore Nordenham had already produced and stored large quantities of roasted material in advance. This material has been used since the start of the shutdown.

“The furnace was successfully and above all safely shut down last Sunday,” says Heiko Zehl, Head of the Roasting Department. “The intensive preparation has paid off. This creates the basis for carrying out the upcoming work in a structured and safe manner.”

More than 20 projects implemented in parallel

The shutdown is being used strategically to carry out numerous additional measures alongside the furnace replacement. These include, among other things, work on the contact plant, modifications to the off-gas and heat-recovery systems, upgrades to the electrical infrastructure, and retrofits to plant components in the electrolysis area.

“We’re not talking about a single project here, but about a bundle of measures that will sustainably improve our entire plant setup,” explains Toni Helbig. The aim is to increase plant availability, further enhance operational safety, and create the basis for stable and efficient operations.

High demands on planning and safety

“A shutdown of this scale requires very close coordination and clear priorities,” says Dr. Jörg Buchholz, Chief Project Officer. “Safety is the top priority in the execution of all work. At the same time, we are ensuring completion on schedule and within the planned budget.”

“With this investment, we are strengthening the technical performance of our zinc smelter and sustainably improving the competitiveness of our site,” says Florian von Steinkeller, Managing Director of Glencore Nordenham.

Back in 2025, investments at both sites rose by more than one third compared with the previous three years, reaching over €45 million. Glencore acquired the lead smelter in 2021. In light of the current project work, it can be assumed that the total investment amount will continue to increase in 2026.

“Our goal is to consistently drive forward the integration of the two smelters so that we can process more complex feed materials and expand our product portfolio. This also includes preparations for another major shutdown on the lead side, during which additional investment projects will be implemented,” adds Florian von Steinkeller.

Work at the zinc smelter is scheduled to be completed in spring 2026, followed by the gradual restart of the modernized facilities.