Sometra S.A. Copsa Mica is an industrial company located in central Romania, historically specializing in lead, zinc and other nonferrous materials. The company is now transitioning towards a green economy, focusing on renewable energy sources, recycling & complete decontamination.
After decades of transformation, Sometra is aligning its operations with sustainable practices. Its main shareholder, METLEN Energy & Metals, is a global industrial and energy company with a leading position in the metals and energy sectors, focused on sustainable development and the circular economy. The company has established itself as a benchmark for competitive "green" metallurgy at both the European and global levels, while offering comprehensive energy solutions by implementing thermal and renewable energy projects, electricity distribution and trading, alongside investments in network infrastructure, battery storage, and other "green" technologies. It operates in markets across all five continents, in 50 countries, applying a fully collaborative model between its sectors.
Sometra aims to set an example for companies in Romania and the region by gradually recycling stored waste with advanced technologies, ensuring zero negative environmental impact in line with EU directives.
In 1939, Sometra (Societatea Metalurgică Transilvană) began operations as Romania’s only zinc and lead producer. Managed by Belgian specialists, the plant quickly expanded. By 1948, it was nationalized.
Between 1950 and 1959, new installations—including two Waelz kilns—were built to enhance production. In 1966, Sometra adopted Imperial Smelting Process (ISP) technology, operating until 2008 with a peak output of 50,000 mt Zn and 20,000 mt Pb. By 1984, production doubled, but decades of industrial activity made Copșa Mică Romania’s most polluted town, forming a massive slag landfill ("halda").
After 1990, economic and environmental concerns led to equipment shutdowns. Many facilities were dismantled in a controlled demolition and restoration process, completed by 2024. Since 1999, METLEN Energy & Metals has been Sometra’s main shareholder.
In 2009, the plant halted its most polluting processes due to falling metal prices, rising operational costs, and stricter environmental policies. Since then, significant investments have been made in research, metallurgical pilots, and environmental cleanup to implement eco-friendly solution.
Since 1999, when METLEN Energy & Metals became Sometra’s main shareholder, significant steps have been taken to address the environmental issues in Copșa Mică, which had long been associated with heavy pollution due to the company’s past operations under state ownership.
Since the landfill closure, environmental authorities and the Water Administration have closely monitored the site. Accredited tests confirm that underground and surface water quality meet legal standards
Sometra is restructuring its operations to recycle valuable metals from the closed landfill using Romania’s-first innovative technology. This investment supports the circular economy, reduces waste, and preserves resources and completely decontaminate the site.
The project will boost exports, generate tax revenue, create jobs, and help transform Copșa Mică into a pollution-free town.
Copsa Mica, Fabricilor 1 St., PO 555400, Sibiu County, Romania
Phone: +40-269-840-320
Fax: +40-269-840-325, +40-269-840-326
E-mail: info@sometra.ro
