September 8, 2025: Nyrstar has secured a cash injection of A$135 million ($88 million) to continue critical metals processing in Australia. This includes accelerating development of an antimony and bismuth facility as well as scheduled maintenance at its lead and zinc refining operation in Port Pirie.
The “transitionary support” deal, backed by Australia’s federal government and the South Australian and Tasmanian state governments, comes after Batteries International reported in June that Nyrstar was seeking help to support operations in the country amid worsening conditions in global raw material markets.
Nyrstar said the studies will consider what is needed to modify its operations to produce antimony and bismuth in Port Pirie and germanium and indium in Hobart. The focus will initially be directed towards accelerating an antimony pilot plant in Port Pirie.
Antimony is an alloy hardener for other metals in ammunition and batteries and is critical to the manufacture of semi-conductors and important for the lead battery industry as a key performance ingredient in deep cycle lead batteries.
Nyrstar formally announced the package on August 5. Together with investments from owner Trafigura, the company said the support will help maintain operations “while progressing engineering planning to allow assessment of a significant rebuild of its Australian smelters”.
The company will also fast track feasibility studies into critical metals production.
Nyrstar Australia chief executive Matt Howell said: “Port Pirie and Hobart represent a key part of Australia’s metals processing infrastructure. Through this partnership, Australia is demonstrating that it is at the forefront of taking meaningful steps to retain nationally strategic smelters and partner with industry to provide urgent short-term support, as well as work on solutions for their long-term viability.”
As Australia’s only lead refiner and the largest zinc refiner in the country, Nyrstar contributes around A$1.7 billion to Australia’s economy each year and employs 1,400 Australians directly, while supporting more than 6,600 indirect jobs.
