The South Australian Government has announced Nyrstar will be required to produce a Public Environment Report (PER) for its proposed $350 million smelter transformation at Port Pirie.

State Minister for Planning, John Rau, said that the PER guidelines will have a focus on a range of environmental factors including the reduction of lead levels.

“The PER will ensure comprehensive investigations are undertaken into all environmental aspects of this important development,” Mr Rau said.

“The obvious benefit in the transformation of the 120-year-old smelter to a cleaner facility is a significant reduction in lead levels.

“The process will be transparent and there will be opportunities for the public to be involved during the six week consultation period, once the PER is completed by Nyrstar.

“Half way through this period, a public meeting will be held in Port Pirie to further explain the project to members of the community and the process for making submissions, should they wish to do so.”