Electrolytic Zinc Works, Hobart
Background
In 1908 James H. Gillies visited Hobart looking to set up both a zinc plant and a hydro-electric plant – the latter to generate the power required for the electrolytic process.
The Zinc Works was established at Risdon, Tasmania, in 1916. Located on the Derwent River 5 km from the centre of Hobart, Risdon was selected as the site for the Zinc Works because of: the availability of cheap electrical power; the availability of land, some of which was leased to the company by the Tasmanian Government, the rest purchased; access to deep water to establish a port and a pool of workers to build and operate the plant.
The plant has undergone a number of modifications which has increased the output from 50,000 tonnes in 1926 to 280,000 tonnes in 2011. The works remain one of the largest and most efficient zinc refineries.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Engineering Heritage National Marker (EHNM) |
| Award Date | April 2013 |
| Nomination Document | Nomination document |
| Ceremony Report | Ceremony report |
| Interpretation Panel | Interpretation panel |
