The Federal Government has announced a $135 million joint investment with South Australia and Tasmania to modernise Nyrstar’s smelters in Port Pirie and Hobart, securing thousands of jobs and boosting Australia’s critical minerals capabilities.
The funding includes $57.5 million from the Commonwealth, $55 million from the South Australian Government, and $22.5 million from Tasmania. It will support feasibility studies, asset upgrades, and pilot projects aimed at transforming the facilities into modern producers of critical minerals.
A key focus is the deployment of an Antimony Pilot Plant in Port Pirie, which could make the site Australia’s only producer of antimony metal – essential for electronics, defence, and flame-retardant materials.
Through the studies into metals production, Nyrstar would also explore production of bismuth in Port Pirie and germanium and indium in Hobart – minerals vital to clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and national security.
Nyrstar contributes $1.7 billion annually to the Australian economy and directly employs 1,400 workers. The planned upgrades are expected to involve more than 550 contractors across both states.
Premiers Peter Malinauskas and Jeremy Rockliff welcomed the investment, calling it a crucial step in securing the future of regional jobs and strengthening Australia’s sovereign supply chain for critical minerals.
