Aurubis employees plant 2,000 saplings in Princebos (Turnhout)

Aurubis is pushing ahead with the further planting of the Princebos (extension of the Van de Veldereservaat) in Turnhout. This location was the setting for the Aurubis tree planting day on Saturday afternoon. Colleagues from Aurubis Beerse and Aurubis Olen, together with their families and local Natuurpunt volunteers, planted a total of about 2,000 trees.

Aurubis has two sites in the Kempen region: in Olen and in Beerse. The sites belong to the Aurubis Group, a leading global supplier of non-ferrous metals and one of the largest copper recycling companies in the world. Caring for each other and the environment is a core value for Aurubis. "This project is completely in line with our social engagement programme. With this "Aurubis forest" in the Prince Forest, we are greening the region and supporting the expansion of the existing nature reserve. I am delighted to meet our colleagues and their families here today during this tree planting day," said Hans Van de Water, Managing Director Aurubis Olen and Aurubis Beerse.

For Natuurpunt's local branch, it is now the 10th tree-planting campaign in their region. "Together with various partners, we planted forests from Overbroek in the north on the border with the Netherlands, to Winkelsbroek in the south on the border with Kasterlee. Thanks to the support of Aurubis, today we are experiencing an anniversary edition and the forest within the Turnhout ring road is being completed. Together we are working on nature restoration to make our environment more climate-proof and promote the health of plants, animals and people by focusing on more biodiversity," says Achille Van Beurden of Natuurpunt - Turnhoutse Kempen division.

A combination of as many as 19 native tree species was planted. With the planting of this forest, Aurubis concludes a valuable and sustainable partnership with Natuurpunt.

Two Kempen Aurubis branches

As a high-performance metal recycling plant, Aurubis Olen processes blister, copper and multi-metal recycling materials in the Aurubis smelter network. The company employs over 700 people and produces copper cathodes, copper wire (Rod), oxygen-free copper wire (Foxrod) and bus bars and profiles (Bars & Profiles) via electro-refining. The Beerse site also operates an electro-refinery department and processes complex recycling materials, ranging from the most complex residues to high-grade scrap types. From these, the company produces metals, metal products and minerals. Aurubis Beerse employs more than 500 people.

About Natuurpunt Turnhoutse Kempen

Natuurpunt Turnhoutse Kempen, with over 1,300 member families and 130 active volunteers in Turnhout and Ravels, organizes activities focused on nature study and education, manages nature reserves spanning 1,000 hectares, and contributes to public policy efforts.

The large number of participants in guided tours through the Turnhout Vennengebied, Overbroek, and Kijkverdriet in Ravels, enjoy exploring the area's rich fauna, flora, and management practices while soaking in the stunning surroundings.

Volunteers—130 in total—who love hands-on work can join task forces that regularly operate in the nature reserves. Others deepen their knowledge of birds, plants, and photography by participating in accessible study groups.

The "Buur en Natuur" working group helps non-native newcomers develop an appreciation for the biodiversity in our region. During forest classes, we share our passion for nature with young people. Together with all other Natuurpunt branches, we aim to put nature back in the spotlight.