07/07/2025
Tasmanians understand the importance of industries that anchor our communities. That’s why ensuring the Hobart Zinc Works can navigate through one of the most important moments in its history, is paramount.
The Hobart smelter has been a bedrock of Tasmania’s economy for over a century. It’s more than part of our landscape. It’s more than just a zinc processing facility. It’s a provider of livelihoods, a customer for over 300 local suppliers, and an enduring contributor to Tasmania’s industrial capability. Last year alone, the site generated over $500 million in value for the state and supported more than 560 full-time equivalent jobs.
Today this pillar of Tasmanian industry faces a challenge. Global industrial dynamics are shifting. International competitors are reshaping the economics of metals refining and in turn a centrepiece of our economy. These changes are putting enormous pressure on Australian smelters around the country and, without action, could risk the long-term viability of our nation’s domestic processing capacity.
But with many challenges therein lies an opportunity. Hobart has the potential to become a centre of excellence for the production of critical metals. We have the opportunity to supply products like germanium and indium that are essential to modern life. While our zinc has been used in protecting the corrosion of infrastructure, in pharmaceuticals essential for healthy lives and in renewable energy technology, Hobart could become integral in the production of the technologies we deem essential for the next generation. From semiconductors to solar cells, and from fibre optics to defence technologies. We already produce many critical metals as by-products of our refining process, but with the right investment and government backing, we could dramatically scale this up and supply these high-value materials to Australia and our allies for generations to come. And we will be making things using renewable energy, perhaps an often understated advantage of our state.
Over the past year, Nyrstar has been working to help secure a more sustainable future for our operations. We’ve been working hand-in-hand with both the Tasmanian and Australian Governments to develop a pathway forward. I want to thank both sides of politics in Tasmania for their strong bipartisan support of our industry and their commitment to helping us navigate this moment. Their recognition of the strategic and economic importance of what we do cannot be overstated.
We continue to hold constructive discussions with the Federal Government as well, and I’m optimistic that with coordinated support, we can ensure Hobart plays a foundational role in the next era of critical metals processing.
This isn’t just about saving a smelter. It’s about building a sovereign capability for Australia, ensuring the metals we need for modern economies are available, and in doing so creating new opportunities for future Tasmanians. Our goal is to put Hobart at the forefront of a growing global industry.
Tasmania today has the capability, the foundational infrastructure, the skills, the history, and now the chance to lead. With collaboration, vision, and commitment, we can secure this once-in-a-generation opportunity and ensure that Hobart’s smelter continues not just to survive, but to thrive.
Matt Howell - CEO, Nyrstar Australia
The Mercury, 7 July 2025
