Gold and silver from Port Pirie on South Australia's Spencer Gulf is a glittering success on the world stage.
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The precious metals produced by Nyrstar smelter have been used to make the internationally-famous Australian Open tennis trophy.
In 2021, 2020 and 2019, almost all the silver in the trophy was supplied by the smelter.
The cup was made by ABC Refinery (Australia) In New South Wales.
The highly-desirable metals came from a plant which is among the world's biggest multi-metals processors, including being the third-biggest silver producer.
General manager for operations of the smelter Mat Lynn said Port Pirie could be proud that silver and gold were are used by famous Australian refiners, the 122-year-old The Perth Mint in WA and ABC Refinery.
"We produce silver doré plates, weighing about 120kg each. From this doré, the refiners separate the silver and gold to produce high-purity silver and gold," he said.
"The Perth Mint mostly uses our silver for collector coins and gold for bars which it exports to more than 100 countries while the ABC Refinery uses our gold and silver for the manufacture of fabricated products, jewelry and cast bars.
"Not many people would know that our gold and silver has been used in the past by ABC Refinery to manufacture trophies such as the Australian Open trophy."
Nyrstar Australia's business execution team leader, Brent Conway, has held the iconic Australian trophy in his own hands when visiting the ABC Refinery.
"When holding the trophy, I felt pride in the important role that Nyrstar and the mining industry play nationally and internationally," he said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
In addition to producing silver doré - from which gold is extracted - the site also yields lead, copper cathode and sulphuric acid.
Trafigura's ownership from July, 2019, was a turning point for Nyrstar with Trafigura re-investing in the company's operations and people and developing opportunities to contribute to the circular economy through low-waste mineral processing and long-term recycling opportunities.
Millions of dollars have been invested to improve the Port Pirie plant's environmental, safety and production performance and to expand its workforce.
The plant has 822 workers and about 300 contractors
Nyrstar's yearly commodity value of production is $1.2 billion and its employment effect from its two inter-linked Australian plants, in Port Pirie and Hobart, is more than 8000 full-time equivalent jobs.
The company has operated in Port Pirie and Hobart for more than 100 years to produce lead, silver, zinc, and many other materials - including critical minerals that are essential for the manufacture of products used by everyone, every day.
Greg Mayfield
As editor, I am responsible for 11 mastheads around the state. I have more than 45 years' experience in newspapers and digital platforms. I am lucky to have an enthusiastic and dedicated team of journalists working with me.
As editor, I am responsible for 11 mastheads around the state. I have more than 45 years' experience in newspapers and digital platforms. I am lucky to have an enthusiastic and dedicated team of journalists working with me.
