For more than 130 years, Port Pirie has revolved around one of the world's largest multi-metals smelters, run by Nyrstar on the upper Spencer Gulf about 230 km north of Adelaide. The port mainly receives lead, zinc and silver concentrates and dispatches refined lead, silver, zinc fume, sulphuric acid and — since 2026 — antimony metal. This is an industrial bulk port rather than a container facility: there are no liner or reefer container services here. Road and rail connect the smelter to the South Australian hinterland, while a channel depth of about 9.4 m limits calls to Handysize bulkers and smaller vessels. Shippers needing container capacity should use Port Adelaide's Outer Harbor, and other dry bulk moves through Whyalla or Port Bonython. For metals, concentrates and sulphuric acid, however, Port Pirie is a specialised and dependable berth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE of Port Pirie?▼

The UN/LOCODE of Port Pirie is AU PPI. This international code identifies ports and logistics locations worldwide.

Where is the port of Port Pirie located?▼

The port of Port Pirie is located in Australia (Spencer Gulf; Indian Ocean).

What is the size of the port Port Pirie?▼

Port Pirie is a Small harbor of type River (Natural).

What is the channel depth of Port Pirie?▼

The channel depth of Port Pirie is 9.4 meters.

Location & Weather

-33.18333, 138.01667

Channel depth: 9.4 m

Transit time routes from Port Pirie

Sydney → Shanghai Sydney → Shenzhen Sydney → Guangzhou Sydney → Hong Kong Sydney → Tokyo Sydney → Busan

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The information on this page is based on publicly available transport and infrastructure data. The logistics significance of a location may change. All information without warranty.

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