Port Pirie locals say their home would become "a ghost town" if the smelter's owner Trafigura decides to close its doors. Trafigura's chief executive Richard Holtum this week told an international business summit its Nyrstar Australia operations were "uneconomical" and under "strategic review". A spokesperson for Trafigura has told the ABC and state and federal governments that support is "essential" for its future.
The smelter processes and refines lead, silver, zinc fume, copper matte and by-products including sulphuric acid, according to Nyrstar. Local fashion retailer Rosalyn Giancaspro said if the smelter collapsed it would have a ripple effect across the town, about 230 kilometres north of Adelaide. "We find that a bit of a scary thought because it is one our main sources of income in the town," she said.
Rosalyn Giancaspro says the past year was the quietest in nine years or her business and she worries it will get quieter still. Could quiet times get quieter? Ms Giancaspro said Trafigura's revelations came at a terrible time, as locals were already battling the cost of living crisis. "One bag of groceries is nearly $100 and you don't have spare money to spend on things that aren't a necessity, and (new) clothing is not a necessity for most people.
Ms Giancaspro said drought in areas the town serviced was also taking a toll. "If it is quiet in the surrounding areas, due to the farming not being a great season because of the drought, we do find that does affect us as we.
