A $400 million upgrade to the Hobart zinc works is one step closer to construction after grant deeds were finalized with the federal and state governments.
The project will include the construction of a new electrolysis plant, capable of recovering greater quantities of minerals, at the site.
In a memo sent to workers, Nyrstar Hobart general manager Todd Milne said “getting to this point is the result of a lot of work from many people across our Nyrstar Australia operations over the past three years and I want to thank all of you who have been involved”.
“The broad support for this major project should give us all confidence in a strong future for our Hobart site,” he said.
“It also reflects our contribution to jobs and the economy in Tasmania, and also the increasing recognition of our sustainability credentials and zinc’s important role in the world’s low carbon transition.”
Construction is expected to begin in the coming months and will take around 28 months to complete.
The federal government has committed $50 million to the project, while the state government will provide $20 million.
Planning approvals for the new facility have been secured from the Glenorchy City Council.
The Nyrstar Hobart smelter is one of the world’s largest zinc smelters in terms of production volume.
200 people will be employed at the peak of construction.
