On August 5th, critical metals producer Nyrstar announced it has secured A$135 million in transitional funding from the Australian federal, South Australian, and Tasmanian governments to sustain operations at its multi-metals smelters in Port Pirie and Hobart, and to advance redevelopment and critical metals projects. The funding follows broader industry calls for government support amid declining smelter margins, including from Glencore’s Mount Isa operations. Combined with continued investment from Trafigura, the support will allow Nyrstar to maintain operations while accelerating researches into producing germanium and indium in Hobart and antimony and bismuth in Port Pirie, with an antimony pilot plant as the initial priority. The package also includes funding for major maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, including furnace and wharf investments in Hobart and asset integrity works in Port Pirie.
As Australia’s only lead refiner and largest zinc smelter, Nyrstar contributes around A$1.7 billion to the national economy annually, directly employing over 1,400 workers and supporting more than 6,600 indirect jobs. The company plays a key role in safeguarding Australia’s sovereign processing capacity. Nyrstar has committed to ongoing investment in its workforce and facilities while collaborating with governments on long-term strategic pathways. Zinc production in Hobart has been cut by 25% since April 2025, with no clear restart timeline.