PERTH (miningweekly.com) – 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.
"In February 2017, we announced the findings of our comprehensive review of the Port Pirie redevelopment project to ensure that the scope, flow sheet and commissioning will provide Port Pirie with industry leading performance. Our review confirmed that the Port Pirie redevelopment is absolutely the right strategy for the company and will have a significant positive long-term effect on Nyrstar's operations and deliver a substantial earnings uplift,” said Nyrstar CEO Hilmar Rode.
“The successful commencement of hot commissioning at the Port Pirie redevelopment is in line with the guidance we provided in February 2017 and represents a significant milestone in the delivery of this important project.”