Nyrstar Pelt expands into a European hub for zinc oxides

Nyrstar is at a positive turning point, which is also noticeable at its site in Pelt. This year, the zinc smelter opened here a highly efficient logistics hub for the distribution of zinc oxides. With an investment of over 1.6 million euros, Nyrstar Pelt is now operating as a European hub for oxide distribution, storage and sampling. Nyrstar thereby created 7 new jobs and reinforces their commitment to a sustainable, safe and stable production.

"The fact that Nyrstar chose Pelt as the location for the new European oxide hub proves that they have trust in our capable Belgian team, and we are proud of that. Our operators have been trained to work safely with the containers. The level of our training is significantly higher than the standard, because safety and sustainability is the basis for improvement at Nyrstar. Besides the new hub we now transport the oxides via barges from Antwerp to Meerhout, this eliminates 2,500 trips via truck each year. In addition, we are eliminating 3,580 truck movements on the site itself. This results in a safer and more environmentally friendly operation with significant reduction in CO2 emissions," says Inge Schildermans, General Manager of Nyrstar in Belgium.

The oxide hub at Pelt became a reality after Nyrstar became largely owned by Trafigura, a global commodity trader, in 2019.

Zinc oxides are a byproduct from the steel industry, which Nyrstar transforms into high-quality zinc. Nyrstar in Belgium is one of the largest zinc smelters in the world.

About Nyrstar

Nyrstar is a global multi-metals business, with a market leading position in zinc and lead, and growing positions in other base and precious metals. Nyrstar has mining, smelting and other operations located in Europe, the Americas and Australia and employs over 4,000 people. The company’s global operations are located close to key customers and major transport hubs to facilitate delivery of raw materials and distribution of finished products. In July 2019, Nyrstar’s operating business became majority owned by Trafigura, one of the world’s leading independent commodity trading companies. Visit www.nyrstar.com.

Questions from media:

Fabienne Buvens - Communications Advisor Nyrstar Balen/Pelt
Fabienne.Buvens@nyrstar.com – GSM : +32 (0) 473/78.23.40