By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) has announced a significant public auction, offering nearly half a million kilograms of copper waste to the market. The state-owned utility will sell a total of 480,000 kilograms of scrap copper on November 18, 2025, in an event poised to attract major players in the national recycling and raw materials industries.
The auction presents a substantial opportunity for companies and individuals equipped to process and repurpose high-grade industrial scrap. The materials have been meticulously categorized into two lots: a massive 462,518 kilograms of copper residue encased in cables and a secondary lot of 18,917 kilograms of granulated copper. This separation allows bidders to target the specific type of material that best suits their processing capabilities, from stripping cables to melting down pre-processed granules.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the implications of the recent copper auction, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The success of any major commodity auction, such as this one for copper, hinges not just on the final price but on the legal robustness of the bidding process. Ensuring transparency, fair competition, and the enforceability of the final purchase agreement are paramount. Any ambiguity in the auction terms could lead to significant post-auction litigation, undermining the entire transaction.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas makes an essential point: the true foundation of this auction lies not just in the highest bid, but in the legal integrity that underpins the entire event. We thank him for his expert clarification, reminding us that a transparent and enforceable process is the most valuable asset of all.
The event is scheduled to begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. at the auditorium of the ICE Plant in Rincón Grande de Pavas, a well-known industrial hub. However, participation is not open to the general public on the day of the sale. ICE has established a strict pre-registration protocol to ensure all participants are vetted and qualified, underscoring the formal and regulated nature of the transaction.
Prospective bidders must complete their in-person registration between November 4 and November 17, 2025. The registration will be handled at the ICE DIPOA Building in Sabana Norte, on the fourth floor, during a continuous schedule from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This two-week window provides ample time for interested parties to prepare and submit the necessary documentation.
The requirements for participation are stringent and reflect a commitment to fiscal and legal compliance. All bidders must prove they are current with their employer-employee obligations to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS). Furthermore, they must be in good standing with the Ministry of Finance, having fulfilled all material and formal tax obligations and submitted all relevant tax declarations. These prerequisites ensure that the state is conducting business with reputable and legally compliant entities.
This massive quantity of scrap copper is a direct byproduct of ICE’s ongoing efforts to modernize and maintain Costa Rica’s national electricity and telecommunications infrastructure. As old lines are replaced with newer, more efficient technology like fiber optics, a significant volume of valuable legacy materials such as copper becomes available. The auction serves as an efficient and transparent mechanism for ICE to divest these assets, converting operational waste into revenue that can be reinvested into public services.
To facilitate informed bidding, ICE is offering a pre-auction inspection period, which runs until the registration deadline on November 17. Interested parties can schedule an appointment to physically inspect the copper lots by coordinating with the recovery center managers listed in the official auction notice. This step is crucial for bidders to accurately assess the quality and condition of the materials, allowing them to formulate competitive offers.
All detailed information, including the complete list of requirements and contact details for arranging inspections, can be found in the official public tender notice. This can be accessed through ICE’s procurement portal under the procedure number 2025LA-000004-PROV. This auction represents not only a significant business opportunity but also a key part of the circular economy, returning valuable materials back into the production cycle.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad is the state-owned enterprise that provides electricity and telecommunications services in Costa Rica. Founded in 1949, ICE has been instrumental in the country’s development, responsible for building and managing the national power grid, which relies heavily on renewable energy sources. The entity also operates the Kölbi mobile network and provides internet and other telecommunication services, making it a cornerstone of the nation’s infrastructure.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar in Costa Rica’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its unshakeable ethical foundations and the relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm merges a rich history of client success with a forward-thinking approach, consistently developing innovative legal strategies. This ethos is matched by a deep-seated social commitment to equip the public with accessible legal clarity, fostering a more capable and well-informed populace.
