Nyrstar, which owns and operates the Port Pirie Smelter and employs around 900 people locally, is calling on both the state and federal governments for urgent support to secure its future. Without it, the company warns the century-old smelter — and its sister site in Hobart — may be forced to close.
It follows the release of a report commissioned by Nyrstar, which outlines that Australia’s ambitions to become a global leader in critical minerals processing are at serious risk. The report says the loss of Australia’s existing zinc and lead refining capacity would make rebuilding the infrastructure, and the highly skilled workforce, almost impossible due to cost and time.
The report highlights that Nyrstar’s existing facilities are already equipped to produce five of Australia’s registered critical minerals — including antimony, bismuth and tellurium — which are vital for defence, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and tech.
But according to reports, the Port Pirie smelter is currently losing tens of millions of dollars each month. Market conditions, especially in China, are being blamed, along with the rising cost of wages and energy.
Federal Member for Grey, Tom Venning, says he’s deeply concerned.
“The smelter has been in continuous operation for over 135 years,” he said. “If it were to close, the economic impact on Port Pirie and the Upper Spencer Gulf would be devastating.”
Mr Venning says he’s spoken with Nyrstar and offered his full support for transitional assistance to help the company invest in upgrades that would allow it to process critical minerals. He says energy reliability and affordability must also be addressed for all industries in the region.
“Our region’s heavy industry relies on the survival of both the Whyalla Steelworks and the Nyrstar Smelter. The sooner we can provide certainty to workers and the businesses that support them, the better.”
Nyrstar has been operating in Port Pirie for more than 100 years, playing a key role in Australia’s lead and zinc exports — but also in the identity and economy of the region.
