Future Tasmania: Nyrstar’s early years show clean power link

The first ever proponent of a zincworks in Hobart, metallurgist and inventor James Hyndes Gillies, cemented, in 1908, a mutually beneficial relationship between hydro power and manufacturing.

The historical connection between Hobart’s zinc industry and the state’s hydro-electricity schemes is not widely known – but the company behind the 106-year-old zinc works wants to change that.

Todd Milne, Nyrstar’s incoming general manager, said the company was working with the Tasmanian government to “be able to publicly acknowledge this link that has benefited generations of Tasmanians and will continue to do so for years to come”.

“Being able to brand our zinc ‘green zinc’ for the world will acknowledge this long-term link and support the global competitiveness of our business,” he said.

Historical Mercury Archives File Picture 1946 Electrolytic Zinc Company (Zinc Works, EZ), zinc production Negative number Box 834

In 1908, metallurgist and inventor, James Hyndes Gillies, attempted to realise his vision of establishing a zinc industry in Tasmania, proposing to set up a full-scale zinc works using hydro power from the Great Lake and the Ouse and Shannon rivers.

His efforts were ultimately unsuccessful but the Earle Labor government purchased his company, Hydro-Electric Power and Metallurgical Co. Ltd, and subsequently established the Hydro-Electric Department (later renamed the Hydro-Electric Commission in 1929).

In 1914, the government progressed construction of the state’s first major dam – the Waddamana Dam in the Central Highlands. A major energy consumer was required to justify support for the significant investment. And that’s where EZ Industries’ zinc works entered the picture, setting the stage for the beginning of Tasmania’s hydro power golden age.

A 30-year bulk power supply contract was signed with the government, largely meeting the capital cost of the hydro-electric scheme and paving the way for electricity to be supplied to Hobart households, businesses and tramways.

Construction of the plant began in 1916. It officially opened in 1918.

Mr Milne said echoes of the zinc works’ early history continued to reverberate today.

“As the state undertakes this next major transition, ensuring that strong links remain between industry and energy growth opportunities is important,” he said.

“Long-term stable power supply gives industry like us the certainty we need to invest and continue to produce the zinc the world needs.”