Business categories in Port Pirie, SA

Welcome to Port Pirie, SA

The seaport city of Port Pirie is the sixth most densely populated cities in South Australia. It was founded on the east coast of the Spencer Gulf in 1845 and the skyline is dominated by the largest lead smelter in the world. The city has a population of over 14,000 people.

History

Before the first European settlers arrived in the area it was inhabited by the Nukunu tribe. The name of the place was “Tarparrie” which is their word meaning “muddy creek” The first settlers called the area Samuel’s Creek after the discovery in the area by Samuel Germein. It was later named Port Pirie by in 1846 by Governor Robe in respect of the first vessel to navigate the creek.

Port Pirie was officially named a municipality in 1876 and the discovery of metals in the area hastened the arrival of the railway in 1888. From the late 1800s, lead smelting became a major part of the city’s economy.

Lifestyle and Entertainment

Grain silos and the smelting plants are the main employment in Port Pirie along with the business of the Port itself. The chimney at the Nyrstar smelting plant is the tallest structure in the state and can be seen from many kilometres away.

The area has undergone extensive redevelopment and urban regeneration which includes the development of the Solomontown Beach Plaza. There are several schools and other facilities in the area including a wide variety of shopping and dining establishments.