The project plays a special role in the COMET K1-MET program as it deals exclusively with innovative aspects in copper recycling metallurgy. In this manner, it supplements the other projects from Area 1, which are rather focused on iron and steel.

In secondary copper metallurgy, different and complex materials from the metal recycling industry are treated. They contain other valuable non-ferrous metals, like silver, nickel, tin, zinc, or lead. These elements are partially transferred to the slag or fine dust streams during pyrometallurgical treatment of secondary materials. On the other hand, the fumes produced within the pyrometallurgical process chain contain zinc, lead, and tin. Interactions over the whole process chain are covered within this project. The project covers upgrading of feed materials over smelting and refining processes to derive enhanced copper product qualities until the recovery of all valuable metals from process dusts and slags. As valid for the steel sector, a resource and energy-efficient process with minimum CO₂ emissions (using hydrogen or alternative reduction agents, such as bio-based sources, increased oxygen utilization, and state-of-the-art processing equipment) is also required for the nonferrous steel sector.