Nyrstar starts hot commissioning of Port Pirie

Integrated mining and metals group Nyrstar has started hot commissioning at its Port Pirie smelter, in South Australia, following the A$660-million redevelopment of the project. Under the redevelopment plan, the 127-year old smelter was converted into an advanced metals recovery and refining operation with the capacity to produce a range of metals, including some 250 000 t/y of refined lead, 40 000 t/y of zinc in fume, 7 000 t/y of copper, 25-million ounces of silver dore and 100 000 oz of gold.