[Nyrstar considers antimony production in Australia, seeks government support]
According to a Reuters report on May 21, Trafigura-owned smelter Nyrstar stated that its multi-metals processing plant in Port Pirie, South Australia, has the potential to produce up to 5,000 tonnes per year of antimony metal or antimony trioxide. The plan would require the addition of a new processing stage following lead smelting and would depend on government funding.
Nyrstar CEO Matt Howell told Reuters on May 5: “We have the capability to produce a range of critical minerals, including antimony, to help meet global demand. However, it will require significant investment and government support to address the market pressures currently faced by Australian smelters.”
Australia’s smelting industry is under strain from high domestic electricity costs and processing fee compression due to excess capacity in China. In response, the Australian government is offering billions of dollars in funding to support the development of local critical mineral supply chains.
A spokesperson for the South Australian government noted, “Antimony has been defined as a critical mineral by the federal government, which provides a pathway to access substantial government support.”
Port Pirie is Australia’s second-largest lead smelter, with an annual refined lead capacity of 180,000 tonnes.