Port Pirie calls for Nyrstar smelter certainty as 120 job losses confirmed
Port Pirie businesses are seeking clarity from Nyrstar about the smelter’s long-term future, as 120 jobs face the chop and the company’s share price plunges.
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Port Pirie businesses are seeking clarity from Nyrstar about the smelter’s long-term future, as 120 jobs face the chop and the company’s share price plunges.
The ongoing uncertainty around the town’s largest employer is already having an impact on local businesses, Annie K Custom Jewellery owner Stewart Craker says.
“We lease a shop for Christmas and the sales aren’t there, people aren’t spending because they don’t know what’s going to happen,” Mr Craker said.
“People have been saying they’re worried. Nyrstar is what secures every other business here, so it affects everybody.”
The Advertiser yesterday reported taxpayers could have to foot the $291 million bill owed by Nyrstar, as the metal giants share price continues to crash.
The company yesterday confirmed 120 employees and contractors, up from the 100 positions that were speculated last week, would be cut at the smelter next year.
“Specific reductions will be identified from a restructure across production, operation and maintenance roles and also include the closure of the Sinter Plant by the end of 2019 which will be achieved once the new facility has reached full ramp up,” a company statement said.
“We take our responsibility to our employees and the wider Port Pirie community very seriously and will complete this process in a responsible manner. Nyrstar is committed to a sustainable future for the Port Pirie operation and will continue to look for opportunities to further optimise the plant.”
Business Port Pirie president Mark Hanlon, who represents nearly 100 members, said there was optimism the smelter’s global significance would ensure its longevity – even if it was under a new operator.
“There is some uncertainty, therefore that has a direct relation with retail and business, but at the same time the upside going forward is that place (the smelter) isn’t going away,” Mr Hanlon said.
“It’s not about to shut as its only one of a few in the world. I don’t think there’s any consideration the place will shut.”
Nyrstar’s global chief executive Hilmar Rode will visit the smelter next week.
Port Pirie’s new Mayor Leon Stephens said he was not privy to Nyrstar meetings next week but said major concerns were for the jobs and “what happens next”.
“In our community we’ve had big ups and downs, but one of the biggest issues we have is a single largest employer,” he said. “It’s highlighted we need to decentralise agencies to future proof our regions.”