Australian governments have committed a further $105 million to support critical minerals processing and manufacturing capability at Nyrstar’s Hobart and Port Pirie smelters, backing continued operations while future investment options are assessed.
The funding package, announced jointly by the Albanese, Rockliff and Malinauskas governments, will support the facilities through 2026 as Nyrstar completes pre-feasibility work and advances further studies into expanding critical minerals production in Australia.
According to the Tasmanian Government, the support is intended to maintain industrial capability and thousands of jobs linked to the two smelters while detailed work continues on long-term investment decisions.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said Nyrstar Hobart remained central to the state’s manufacturing sector and strategic materials processing capability.
“Nyrstar Hobart is one of Tasmania’s most significant industrial employers and a cornerstone of our advanced manufacturing and strategic materials processing capability,” Rockliff said.
He said the package would help secure the immediate future of more than 600 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect jobs across Tasmania.
“Nyrstar contributes more than $510 million to the Tasmanian economy each year and plays a critical role in sustaining economic activity across the State,” he said.
“This investment will help keep power prices the lowest in the nation for Tasmanians and it backs our industrial future, supporting sovereign capability and ensuring Tasmania remains a key part of Australia’s minerals processing supply chain.”
The governments said the funding would allow Nyrstar to complete its pre-feasibility study and progress further feasibility work aimed at identifying opportunities to expand and accelerate domestic critical minerals production.
Nyrstar has also continued to deliver commitments under an earlier support package, including making its first shipment of antimony metal earlier this year. Antimony is used in defence, semiconductor, energy and automotive applications.
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres said the investment would help preserve Australia’s processing capability while future plans are developed.
“This investment supports the continued operation of these facilities while the next phase of work is completed,” Ayres said.
“We are backing Australian industry and ensuring we maintain the capability to refine and process the minerals the world needs.”
“This is about securing jobs, strengthening our industrial base, and positioning Australia higher up the global value chain.”
As part of the extended support arrangements, Nyrstar will participate in a Joint Review with governments in the coming months to establish a shared framework for determining the long-term pathway for the two sites.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the agreement would allow critical assessment work to continue at Port Pirie.
“We are pleased that we have reached agreement to allow this vital feasibility work to continue, supporting hundreds of mobs in Port Pirie,” Malinauskas said.
“The global instability in recent months has only underscored the importance of Australian sovereignty.”
“The possibility of producing antimony and other critical metals in Port Pirie presents a unique opportunity to deliver what our nation, and indeed the world needs.”
“Examining that opportunity thoroughly requires time, and this investment on behalf of three governments ensures that important work can continue apace.”
