Hi everyone, and welcome to 2026 – with the first issue of Feedbook for the year! Feedbook has taken a bit of a break over the past couple of months following the retirement of Nyrstar Australia’s long-serving Port Pirie–based graphic designer, Karen Seindanis. But now it’s back!
First things first – celebrations. We really did kick off the year with a great safety performance – well done, everyone! Let’s keep our focus on this: look out for each other, Hang on a Minute, and make sure we’re in “Go Mode” when tackling work.
On the subject of safety, we currently have a couple of hundred extra people on site as we progress through the biggest Roaster Turnaround in around 20 years. We can all play a part in supporting those who aren’t familiar with the site and our practices through friendly interactions that help keep everyone safe. It’s a pretty exciting time – I’m
General Manager Update
Todd Milne
looking forward to seeing the #6 Roaster dome being rebuilt. Last week I refreshed my confined space training so I could get inside for a look.
On the business front, I’m afraid our financial challenges are persisting. There have been some minor improvements in the external factors impacting our performance, but not enough to turn around the negative position. We continue to engage with governments (Commonwealth, Tas and SA) on our ongoing upgrade feasibility projects here and in Port Pirie. The first round of funding, secured last July, wraps up in April, and we’re in discussions on a proposed second round that may see us through until the upgrade feasibility studies are completed.
One great story to come from our upgrade journey is the first production of antimony metal out of Port Pirie. In the last week of January, Port Pirie produced highpurity antimony metal from the fasttracked demonstration plant – a very impressive effort, and one that’s right in line with Australia’s ambitions to produce critical metals on home soil.
Back to local issues – we’ve got an ambitious production plan following the Turnaround to help lessen the impact of these financial challenges as much as possible. Delivering on this will help show that we remain a strong smelter – one worth investing in!
It was great to welcome our newest trainee operators recently. Even with the excellent support provided by our training team and individual departments, it can be a little daunting getting to know the site and adjusting to shift work, so let’s all share a welcoming smile and offer support and encouragement where we can.
Lastly, our environmental performance was really good heading into the warmer months; however, we’ve seen dust levels pick up in recent weeks. Being welcomed in this community depends on looking after it – and that means not causing impacts off site. Please, if you see a dusty activity or notice that part of your plant is contributing dust – act.
All the best,
Todd
MY REASON WHY
James Cherry Rehabilitation & Wellness Advisor
I’ve been at Nyrstar for over two years now, and in that time, I have been lucky enough to work and interact with a wide range of diverse people.
The nature of my work means that often I am meeting people for the first time after some form of workplace injury or incident. If I have learnt anything in the last two years, it’s the importance of controlling what we can, because there are elements outside of our control.
This includes using the tools available to us, such as our Hang on a Minute and trusting our instincts and speaking up if something doesn’t look or feel right.
Outside of work, my reason for getting home safe is my lovely wife Emma, and our two golden retrievers Rosie and Bernie. I try to spend as much time as possible outdoors, whether that’s running, riding, getting the camper trailer out, in the garden or trying (sometimes even successfully) to keep the goats, chooks and dogs in their own separate yards.
We
Nyrstar is committed to:
Banning child labour
eliminating
forms
Human Rights Policy
Preventing all forms of modern slavery
Ensuring freedom of
Promoting equal opportunities and
Providing fair wages and working conditions
Maintaining
Complying with
Hang on a Minute! Stop, Look, Think.
A quick reminder to help keep ourselves, our teammates, and our site safe. Before any task, big or small, take a moment to Hang on a Minute!
A simple pause can make all the difference between a job going well and a near miss.
Why it matters
We’ve all had those ‘lucky moments’a close call, a near miss, or something that made us stop and think afterwards.
Taking a deliberate pause before starting work is the best way to control your roll of the dice. A quick ‘Hang on a Minute’ could be the second that saves you, your team, or our plant from harm.
Stop or Go Mode
Being in Stop Mode or Go Mode is a choice. And like any good habit, it takes practice.
The ‘Hang on a Minute’ approach isn’t just for production tasks—it applies equally to management, maintenance, and business decisions that carry safety implications.
What to do
Safety starts before work begins:
• Assess your work area and the job ahead.
If you’re working with others, hang on a minute togetherdiscuss the plan and confirm everyone’s role.
• In our dynamic workplace, if something changes - STOP, reassess, and take a minute to think.
Say your next steps out loud or remind a teammate to “Hang on a Minute” - it’s a simple act that prevents harm.
Use this approach for:
• Low-risk tasks: complete a PreTask Risk Assessment
Medium/High-risk tasks: speak with your Team Leader or Nyrstar Representative
Remember
No one sets out to make a mistake, but rushing, distractions, and assumptions can all trip us up.
So before you start moving, lifting, or deciding - Stop, Look, and Think.
Take that moment. It’s a simple discipline that takes practice, but it’s worth it.
Hang on a Minute—because safety starts with you.
Go Mode
GO MODE
know my work area, everything appears normal have done this before lots of times have the right tools and equipment
• I know my work area, everything appears normal
• I have done this before lots of times
instruction is in a JSEA or Procedure which can follow
• I have the right tools and equipment
done a “Hang on a minute”…Stop, Look, Think, Am I OK
• The instruction is in a JSEA or Procedure which you can follow
• I’ve done a “Hang on a minute”… Stop, Look,Think, Am I OK
Everything is going to plan…nothing unexpected happened have the right skills/qualifications
• Everything is going to plan… nothing unexpected has happened
• I have the right skills/qualifications
…everything’s to plan
Stop Mode
STOP MODE
No written instruction (procedure/JSEA)
New unidentified hazards
• No written instruction (procedure/JSEA)
• New unidentified hazards
Unfamiliar task
• Unfamiliar task
Job Changes
• Job Changes
Poor body position
• Poor body position
Equipment not running properly
• Equipment not running properly
Don’t have the right tool for the task
• Don’t have the right tool for the task
Problem solving or troubleshooting
• Problem solving or troubleshooting
Confusing situations / unanswered questions
JSEA or Procedure is wrong
• Confusing situations / unanswered questions
Gut feeling
• JSEA or Procedure is wrong
• Gut feeling
December provided the fruits of our work in the preceding months, even if at times it felt like tough going.
#6FBR was taken offline to address increasing vibrations on the SO2 blower which resulted in a 36-hour shut. Works continued and were completed on the #6HGP project.
A record 2007t was run through the roasters in a day, a credit to all teams involved including Wharf for suppling at such a rate to allow this achievement. Calcine stocks continued to climb as we edged towards the #6 TAR (currently underway) and finished the month in line with planned expectations. This performance is even more remarkable as the Roasting teams continued to battle successfully against knowledge gaps as we drove hard to equip our newer employees with the skills and experience needed to operate the plant.
A highlight for Leach/Purification was the planning and execution of the December cleaning stop. The preplanning efforts rewarded us with all tasks completed safely and executed with precision. Zinc recovery was
Hobart Production Department Update - DECEMBER 2025
Michael Davis - Production Manager
on the money with the ability to achieve high wash rates to our PG residue due to focused diligence on CV from around site. Great to witness PP3 bombay door installed too.
With solid performance from prior departments, Electrolysis hit their straps and produced 1,315t CZ above budget, our highest monthly output for over a year! Unfortunately, our CE result was below budget again as we continue our CI, Operations, Maintenance and Technical teams focus on correcting this trend. Lead impurity in our CZ was low, allowing Casting to increase recycling rates. The new FSM2 Pickle Tubs were finalised and commissioned – a great safety improvement for the department.
The Anode survey also pleased with a 84.4% “excellent” anode rate – an outcome which doesn’t occur without real effort. The GR Thickener was also cleaned – a complex task which had been avoided for some time.
Casting continued its excellent recycling effort – melting all MZR blocks in sight and returning real value to our business. A significant contamination risk to our furnaces was removed with some creative
thinking of remelting high Pb MZR blocks produced within our zinc dust plant – congratulations to those involved with that development. An inductor was replaced on MF2 and crews managed the CZ build up well and by the end of the month, stock levels were under control. EZDA sales required 8000t to be produced –great to have that sort of tonnage for our premium product.
All this resulted in our site getting back in line with our CZ budget on December 31st. Considering we were nearing 2000t of CZ behind during November, the turnaround achieved was monumental. And something each and every worker should be proud of.
Welcoming Our Newest Trainee Operators and Apprentices
We’re proud to welcome our first intake of trainee operators and mechanical and electrical apprentices for 2026 - twelve trainees and five apprentices who are beginning an exciting new chapter in their careers.
Among our new recruits are individuals from a range of backgrounds, including a former professional cyclist and team members from Incat, Tassal, and Huon Aquaculture.
Our newest recruits have kicked off their time with us with an introduction to the zinc works including why safety remains at the heart of everything we do. They have also been busy developing essential skills by completing high-risk licences through TasTAFE and MIWT, including
working at heights, confined space, and forklift training.
Our 12 trainees will gain handson experience over two years, supported by TAFE Tasmania, while our five apprentices will complete a four-year program in mechanical and electrical maintenance.
We’re excited to see how our new recruits grow, contribute, and help shape the future of our operations.
Welcome aboard!
Casting trainees - Memphis Stacey, Scarlett Hughes and Daniel Cowle
Leach trainees - Tomas O’Neil, Felix Read (Leach Trainee), Electrolysis trainees - Nathan Earle, Absent from photo: Yeaman Clifford (Wharf trainee), Baine Tomlin (Day Services Trainee)
Mechanical apprentices - Yafei Chang, Storm Barron, and Benjamin Campbell
Electrical apprentices - Callan Lewis and Nathan Knight
Absent from the photo are Yeaman Clifford, Baine Tomlin and Nathan Knight.
FRONT PAGE PHOTO: A warm Nyrstar welcome to: Roast trainees - Max O’May, Liam Whitmore, Darren Stubb Mo Patel ( Roast Trainee)
Celebrating Dedication: Our 2025 Long Service Awards
We came together in October with friends, family, and colleagues at the beautiful Cornelian Bay Boathouse to celebrate a truly special occasion — our 2025 Long Service Awards.
In a world where long service has become increasingly rare, we’re proud to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable dedication of our team members:
25 Years of Service:
Mark Adams, Darren Jones, Chris Hill, Mark Schuettpelz, and Jeffrey Cracknell
40 Years of Service:
Shane Cleary, Andrew Stanton, Craig Westwood, Andrew Moate, Fred Niekrasz, and Terry Hinds
45 Years of Service:
Mark Hall – an extraordinary milestone at the Hobart Zinc Works!
Long service is about more than just time — it reflects loyalty, resilience, and the determination to show up, contribute, and grow every day. These qualities shine especially bright in a plant that’s been operating continuously for 109 years.
One memorable moment of the evening came when we learned that three of our award recipients actually began their fitter and turner apprenticeships on the very same day — a friendship that’s endured through decades of shared work and experiences.
We also want to recognise the partners, families, and friends who support our long-serving team members. Your encouragement and understanding make these achievements possible.
A heartfelt congratulations and thank-you to all our award recipients. Your commitment continues to shape the culture, strength, and success of the Hobart Zinc Works.
PHOTO: L-R Andrew Stanton ('Fluffy'), Fred Niekrasz, Craig Westwood, Mark Hall, Shane ('Puss') Cleary, Andrew Moate and Mark Adams
Major Turnround Underway
Work is underway on the #6 Fluid Bed Roaster overhaul - our largest site turnaround in more than two decades.
This major project includes replacing the dome and installing new internal linings on two-thirds of the walls to boost reliability and extend the roaster’s life – an important investment in our future operations.
Originally commissioned in 1975, the #6 dome was rebuilt in 2007. The lifespan of a dome is typically 25 – 50 years but because of misalignment during the rebuild, a lot of bricks have broken. Due to the long lead time, the damaged components were replaced with bricks of unknown specification. This is thought to be the reason for the premature movement and failure of the #6 dome.
If you have particular question about the shut, email ann.kile@nyrstar.com and we will provide an answer in the next publication of Inside the Turnaround, the weekly newsletter to be published throughout the shut.
Celebrating Shan Denny
Electrotechnology Apprentice of the Year
Congratulations to Nyrstar Hobart’s Shan Denny, winner of the Electrotechnology Final Year Apprentice of the Year (South) 2025 at TasTAFE’s Trade Excellence Awards. These annual awards recognise outstanding apprentices, trainees, and workplace-based learners across Tasmania, with winners selected from nominations made by TasTAFE teaching staff.
Shan joined Nyrstar as a third-year apprentice 18 months ago, finishing his apprenticeship in July 2025. “Working in an industrial setting makes for lots of interesting work, good challenges, and opportunities for hands-on learning,” Shan said.
As Shan was travelling through the Simpson Desert when the award was presented, his father proudly accepted it on his behalf.
Since joining Nyrstar, Shan has worked across several departments and now enjoys the variety in Casting, where computer-controlled machinery provides constant learning opportunities.
Electrotechnology involves the design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electrical systems across residential, commercial, and industrial environments.
PHOTO: Shan Denny with his TasTAFE Trade Excellence Award
Progress in Port Pirie: Advancing Australia’s Critical Metals Capability
A key focus of the Port Pirie site in recent months has been the Antimony Pilot Plant.
Exciting progress is being made at Nyrstar’s Port Pirie site, where the Antimony Pilot Plant has successfully produced its first metal - a major milestone for Nyrstar Australia and Australia’s critical minerals sector. Supported by funding from the Australian and South Australian Governments, the project marks an important step toward large-scale antimony production, a metal vital for
defence, energy and advanced manufacturing.
The Port Pirie team is now focused on commissioning the Antimony Demonstration Plant and scaling production to 2,000 tonnes per year by late 2026. Feasibility studies are under way across Nyrstar’s Australian sites to accelerate production of other critical metals, including germanium here at the Hobart site.
2026 Pocket Shift Planner
A wallet-sized version of the 2026 Shift Planner is now available. Hard-copies have been distributed to all departments and are also available from Jennie Morrisby and Grant Pennicott in HR.
TOP PHOTO: Members of the Antimony Project Team as part of the media announcement.
BOTTOM PHOTO: Some of the first Antimony cathode to be pulled from the Pilot Plant.
If you:
HEART HEALTH CHEC
Your heart is like the engine of your body it keeps everything running.
When it's healthy, it pumps blood full of oxygen and nutrients to every part of you. When it’s not taken care of, it can lead to serious problems like heart attacks or strokes.
The good news? You can help your heart stay strong by eating healthy foods, staying active, managing stress, and not smoking. Even small changes can make a big difference.
Are aged 45 or older
Have family history of heart problems; heart attack or stroke
