Minion-shaped storage? UFO? Mystery of giant egg-shaped building solved

A large domed structure that has appeared on the Lefevre Peninsula overnight sparked wild speculation – but the solution to the mystery can now be set in concrete. See the pictures.

Banana? Locals speculated the purpose of the large, dome-shaped building.

The giant dome mystery has been solved.

Port Adelaide residents were shocked when this 42 metre dome emerged on Wednesday morning, and Hallett Concrete has now answered their many questions.

The inflatable dome — lined inside with 5cm of rigid foam to give it strength — will hold 52,000-ton of cement storage, and goes with a 15,000-ton storage shed.

The project is part of the greening of Port Adelaide, allowing a more resident-friendly Green Cement Distribution Hub which will be dust-free.

Locals on Facebook have questioned the “eyesore” but a company spokeswoman said it would make for a world-standard green concrete facility.

“The facility will be free of airborne emissions,’’ she said.

Upgrading of the Port River Berth 25 wharf will allow for vessels up to 185 metres to berth.

The 42-metre tall "Domesilo" cement storage dome being inflated at Hallett’s Green Cement Distribution Hub. Picture: Hallett Concrete

The dome being inflated. Picture: Hallett Concrete

The ‘Domesilo’ cement storage dome fully inflated. Picture: Hallett Concrete

Mystery surrounded the dome, on the Lefevre Peninsula and local Matthew Wait posted the image on Facebook saying it had appeared suddenly.

Speculation about the purpose of the structure ranged from the unlikely Minion storage facility to the even more unlikely UFO, a Homer Simpson sun hat, and even a dinosaur egg.

Earlier on Wednesday, The Advertiser contacted the Port Adelaide Enfield Council to confirm the purpose of the curious structure, which was approved for construction last year with no complaints from residents.

There is a curious new sight on the skyline at Port Adelaide - a huge dome silo has been inflated. 7NEWS Adelaide at 6pm | https://t.co/8ftPfGh39Y#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/MaNYKhFoij

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) January 25, 2023

It has been suggested the structure could also be for the storage of products by Adelaide Brighton Cement nearby.

It is not the first time an unusual structure has appeared in the state.

Back in 2020, a mysterious three-metre-tall, three-sided silver structure was discovered in Noarlunga.

It was found to have three cryptic coordinates scrawled over its surface.

The bizarre structure was one of several spotted worldwide, from the United States to Romania, capturing the imagination of conspiracy theorists and believers in the extraterrestrial alike.