Nyrstar increases local spending at Port Pirie operations

Metals manufacturer Nyrstar has celebrated its increased spending on local suppliers at Port Pirie, telling the public it had purchased $104 million worth of goods and services from regional businesses during the last financial year.

In a short statement on Thursday, the company said spending through its Local Business Priority Program was up 73 per cent since launching in 2019, with the local spend defined as being with businesses who operate from within the Port Pirie, Mount Remarkable, and Northern Areas local government areas 

Singled out in the release was supplier Lynch and Saracino Concreting of Port Pirie.

The concrete business is one “one of several local businesses” currently onsite helping complete maintenance work as part of its 55-day planned shutdown at the Port Pirie smelter.

“We have so many longstanding relationships and our local suppliers have built up detailed knowledge of our site,” said Dale Webb, Nyrstar Australia Vice President. 

“Increasing our local procurement spend is a crucial priority for our operations and it has been exciting to see our Local Business Priority Program continue to grow.”

Nyrstar operates two Australian sites: the multi-metal Port Pirie smelter (pictured) – which produces lead, silver and by-products such as sulphuric acid – and at Hobart. 

The Hobart site is one the world’s largest zinc smelters in terms of production volume, according to the company. The Zinc Works received $50 million in the federal budget last month, with the funding assisting a $400 million upgrade.

Cumulatively, the sites employ more than 1,300 workers directly.

Picture credit: Nyrstar