Nyrstar has commenced an $80 million, 50-day overhaul of its historic Port Pirie smelter to secure its future as a world-class producer of strategic and critical metals.
The project, supported by a $135 million government package, will upgrade core assets that have been in service for over six decades.
“This $80 million investment is about improving the efficiency and competitiveness of our Port Pirie operations while underpinning our critical metals production that Australia, the US and other global partners need,” Nyrstar Australia chief executive Matt Howel said.
The work will give the South Australian smelter greater flexibility to process critical metals like antimony and bismuth, which are essential for the renewable energy, electronics, and defence sectors. Overall, the upgrade is focused on strengthening Australia’s role in international supply chains.
To achieve this, the project involves a complete overhaul of key smelting infrastructure, including re-lining the main TSL furnace, rebuilding the copper dross furnace, and constructing an improved enclosure for the blast furnace. Crucial site systems for environmental management, including fume handling and wastewater treatment, will also be upgraded.
Howel said the project delivers benefits that extend across the national economy.
“Backed by the support of the South Australian and Federal governments, we are creating new opportunities at Port Pirie for economic growth, supply chain resilience and sovereign capability,” he said.
The project will engage 350 subcontractors from 90 suppliers, generating substantial local economic activity at the 130-year-old facility. Nyrstar contributes approximately $1.7 billion to Australia’s economy each year, employing 1,400 Australians and supporting a further 6,600 indirect jobs.
Looking ahead, Nyrstar is also progressing work to establish an Antimony Pilot Plant at the site, with production on track for the first half of 2026.
