China's 'hard game' on critical minerals is pushing Australian assets to the brink
Australian smelters are facing significant financial challenges due to competition from China in the critical minerals market. Nyrstar, the owner of the Port Pirie smelter, is seeking additional taxpayer funding to sustain operations and protect local jobs. Without support, the closure of the smelter could have devastating effects on the local community.
- ▪Nyrstar's Port Pirie smelter has been losing tens of millions of dollars each month due to international competition.
- ▪The smelter's closure could put 800 jobs at risk and potentially turn the regional city into a 'ghost town'.
- ▪South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas emphasized the need for government investment to maintain smelting capacity in Australia.
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Australia's smelters are asking for more taxpayer funding to compete with China on critical minerals like antimonyBy Angelique DonnellanABy Adam Langenberg7.30Topic:Mining and Metals IndustryMon 18 May 2026 at 4:59pmMon 18 May 2026 at 4:59pmMon 18 May 2026 at 4:59pmGlobal company Nyrstar says its metal smelter in Port Pirie, South Australia has been losing tens of millions of dollars each month. (ABC News: Carl Saville)abc.net.au/news/metal-smelters-more-funds-compete-with-china-critical-minerals/106675600Link copiedShareShare articleChina is "playing a hard game" on the global minerals and metals market and Australian smelters need taxpayer support to "play hard back", according to a senior union official.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).