Port Pirie - Smelter Transformation

The proposal

The proposal is for an upgrade of the existing Nyrstar smelter at Port Pirie (Mid North), primarily to reduce lead emission levels.

Download a summary of this development (PDF, 239 KB)

It comprises a redevelopment of the existing sinter plant, blast furnace, acid making operations, and associated infrastructure and equipment, including any or all of these elements:

  • a new stage one enclosed bath smelting furnace system to replace the current sinter plant
  • a new stage one oxygen plant facility
  • a new stage two enclosed bath smelting furnace system to replace the current blast furnace
  • a new sulphur capture (acid plant) to replace the existing acid plant
  • storage areas for mineral concentrate and raw materials
  • an upgraded sea water intake cooling system and expanded cooling water discharge system
  • decommissioning and/or demolition of the existing sinter plant, blast furnace, acid plant and associated infrastructure.

Assessment stages and documentation

StageDateDocumentation
Minister’s Decision20 December 2022Decision Notification (PDF, 3034 KB)
Amendment to the Assessment Report15 December 2022Assessment Report (PDF, 5790 KB)
Response Document16 August 2022Response document by proponent (PDF, 334 KB)
Release of Amendment to the PER for public comment30 June 2022Amendment to the PER (PDF, 19943 KB)
Public Notice advertisement (PDF, 51 KB)
Amendment - Briquette Plant18 February 2022Decision Notification (PDF, 507 KB)
Governor's Decision23 December 2013Government Gazette dated 23 December 2013
Release of Assessment Report by Minister23 December 2013Assessment Report (PDF, 1778 KB)
Release of response document by proponent to public and agency comments on PER document Response document by proponent (PDF, 14212 KB)
Response appendices (PDF, 19798 KB)
Release of assessment document by proponent for public comment7 August 2013Public Environmental Report (PDF, 10665 KB)
Appendices A - D (PDF, 14996 KB)
Appendices E - H (PDF, 11134 KB)
Appendices I - K (PDF, 7562 KB)
Appendix L (PDF, 5255 KB)
Advertisement (PDF, 30 KB)
Release of Guidelines by Development Assessment Commission with level of assessment determined31 May 2013Guidelines for the preparation of a Public Environmental Report (PDF, 3735 KB)
Declaration as major development28 February 2013Government Gazette dated 28 February 2013