February 20, 2026: Nyrstar said on February 17 the first consignment of Australian produced commercial-grade antimony metal had been shipped from its Port Pirie lead and zinc operation.

Batteries International reported last October that Nyrstar would be part of a US-Australia critical minerals pipeline deal.

Antimony is a key performance ingredient in deep cycle lead batteries. It is an alloy hardener for other metals in ammunition and batteries and is critical to the manufacture of semi-conductors.

Nyrstar said the inaugural shipment from the Port Pirie demonstration plant marked an important step in establishing an independent and sovereign supply of antimony metal from Australia.

The first shipment will be used by an Australian domestic manufacturer on the east coast of Australia with future shipments destined for export to customers in Europe, Asia or the US, supporting a more diverse and resilient supply chain for strategic materials.

The demonstration plant was backed by financial support from Australia’s federal and South Australian state governments.

Darin Cooper, Nyrstar Port Pirie general manager, said the milestone highlighted the strategic role Port Pirie and Australia can play in helping global markets with an alternative, reliable and transparent supply of critical minerals.

“The first shipment of antimony from Port Pirie demonstrates the importance of investing in nationally strategic smelters. Mining alone doesn’t create supply chain security — it’s the smelting, refining and conversion into critical metals that ensures Australia can play a strategic role for itself and its allies.”

As Australia’s only lead refiner, Nyrstar said its Port Pirie multi-metals facility will have the potential capacity to produce up to 5,000 tonnes of antimony metal per annum, representing around 15% of the global market and the equivalent of nearly 100% of US imports in 2023.