November 28, 2025: Nyrstar has cast its first antimony metal from a pilot plant in Australia in a move that puts the firm’s lead smelting tech at the centre of a critical materials deal with the US.

Nyrstar said on November 20 the production of antimony at its Port Pirie plant was primarily made possible through the processing of lead, making the facility a key contributor to the US-Australia Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Framework agreed in October.

Initial batches of antimony metal are expected to be exported in the first half of next year, with the aim of ramping up production to 2,000 tonnes per annum by the end of 2026.

Nyrstar said subject to further investment and upgrades, Port Pirie has the potential to scale up to 5,000 tonnes of refined antimony metal per annum by 2028, equivalent to around 15% of global supply and nearly 100% of the level of US imports in 2023.

The strategic importance of antimony to a wide range of sectors — including batteries and solar panels and for defence and advanced manufacturing applications — has grown amid global supply chain disruptions and China’s export restrictions on antimony-related products.

General manager for Nyrstar Port Pirie, Darin Cooper, said: “This project demonstrates Port Pirie’s ability to produce strategic metals at scale and supports our ambition to be a reliable supplier to global markets.”

Nyrstar, which is owned by Trafigura, contributes around US$1.7 billion to Australia’s economy every year.

Batteries International reported last September that Nyrstar had secured a cash injection of A$135 million (US$88 million) to continue critical metals processing in Australia.

The “transitionary support” deal, backed by Australia’s federal government and the South Australian and Tasmanian state governments, came after the firm reported in June that it was seeking help to support operations in the country amid worsening conditions in global raw material markets.