A further $105 million federal and state funding package has been announced for struggling Nyrstar smelters in Tasmania and South Australia.
Last August, Nyrstar received a $135 million joint funding package from the governments to keep the smelters in Hobart and Port Pirie in operation.
That funding — a $57.5 million contribution from the federal government, $55 million from South Australia, and $22.5 million from Tasmania — expired on May 1 this year.
A joint federal and state announcement on Wednesday morning in Hobart said the new funding would support the continued operations of both smelters through to the end of 2026.
The funding will also allow Nyrstar to complete a pre-feasibility study, and to progress work on a further feasibility study, to expand the production of critical and strategic minerals.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the possibility of producing antimony and other critical metals in Port Pirie presented a “unique opportunity”.
“Examining that opportunity thoroughly requires time, and this investment on behalf of three governments ensures that important work can continue apace,” Mr Malinauskas said in a statement.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the package would secure 600 direct jobs, and 1,000 indirect jobs in the state.
The Port Pirie smelter employs about 800 people directly.
Loading
