Tactic has welcomed a joint Federal and State Government support package for Nyrstar's Port Pirie multi-metals smelter announced today.
The Tasmanian Government is also a party to the $135 million package, which delivers assistance to ensure the ongoing viability of Nyrstar’s Tasmanian and Port Pirie operations.
“Nyrstar’s smelter is the economic heart of Port Pirie and a lynchpin of the Upper Spencer Gulf’s industrial backbone,” said Danny Bartlett, Deputy Chair of Tactic.
“Tactic emphatically endorses the preservation of one of the world’s largest multi-metals smelters, the 800 local jobs directly attached to it, and the indirect jobs that will disappear if Nyrstar closes its operation in Port Pirie.
“The parallels with the Federal and State Government’s $2.4 billion support package for the Whyalla Steelworks are obvious and compelling.
“The economic and industrial ecosystem of the Upper Spencer Gulf is closely connected, and ensuring the Port Pirie smelter continues to operate along with the Whyalla Steelworks ensures one of Australia’s most important industrial regions remains viable.
“Just as we need a domestic steel making capacity, Australia’s national interest is best served by retaining South Australia’s and Tasmania’s smelting capacity.
“The fact the Port Pirie smelter has had 130 years of continuous operation shows the value of assisting the operation to transition through a difficult period.
“The Port Pirie smelter is an essential component of Australia’s sovereign minerals capacity and will play a significant role in the energy transition to a low carbon future.
“The Upper Spencer Gulf will play a central role in Australia’s future industrial at the centre of the transformation of Australia’s economy.
“Tactic stands ready to ensure Nyrstar will benefit from obtaining the very best supply chain support available.”