Nyrstar Australia, a global producer of critical minerals and metals, has begun the construction of its $23 million air compressor site at its Port Pirie multi-metals processing facility.
The new Product Recycling Facility is a critical part of an effort to reduce lead in air concentrations measured in the local community, the company said in a press release.
Once completed, the new air compressor site will be sealed and under negative air pressure, allowing intermediate materials used in the production process to be stored and mixed in an enclosed facility.
The Product Recycling Facility will be constructed nearby existing processing plants, which will significantly reduce the handling and transport of materials in the open air.
Construction of the facility received $7 million in backing from the South Australian government.
Early works in the project include the construction of a new air compressor and a new laundry to make space for the new facility.
The facility comes after Nyrstar spent more than $150 million at the multi-metals processing facility in Port Pirie over a span of three years to enhance lead in air concentrations detected in the community.
“With the support of the State Government, the Product Recycling Facility will deliver an increase in environmental and operational performance,” said Mat Lynn, Nyrstar’s general manager for Port Pirie.
“Nyrstar Australia will continue to focus on how we can continue to improve our operations to reduce lead in air concentrations and complement the Targeted Lead Abatement Program and actions of the State Government, Port Pirie Regional Council and people of Port Pirie to reduce lead levels within the local community.”
