Project Timeline
Last updated 20 August 2026
2020 to 2023
Research and soil testing in public areas
Port Kembla Copper (PKC) engaged specialist environmental consulting firm Senversa to identify areas of Port Kembla that may have been affected by historical smelter operations. Senversa conducted detailed research, literature reviews and testing of more than 85 soil samples collected from public areas of Port Kembla. This testing identified some smelter-related soil contamination (mainly lead) and established a zone for further investigation.
Consultation with regulators
The results of initial research and testing were shared with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), NSW Health, an independent expert NSW EPA accredited Site Auditor and Wollongong City Council (WCC). With oversight from these independent parties, a plan for additional testing - including testing of private properties - was established. This plan met relevant industry and Australian standards.
Investigation of select private properties
With the written consent of owners and occupiers, Senversa investigated 32 properties within the further investigation zone. The investigations included testing of more than 1,000 soil, roof dust and indoor dust samples in accessible parts of the properties. It also included assessing the amount of lead in soil which could potentially impact on a person’s health. This was used to establish a soil remediation (clean-up) target value for lead.
The results of these investigations identified areas of Port Kembla that may have been contaminated by historical smelter air emissions. It is estimated that approximately 100 properties may have smelter contaminated soil and roof dust; a further approximately 300 properties may have smelter contaminated roof dust. The potentially affected area of Port Kembla is shown in the below map. The results of these investigations were shared with NSW EPA, NSW Health, independent expert NSW EPA accredited Site Auditor and WCC.
2024 - 2026
Engagement and additional testing
PKC commissioned Senversa to contact occupants and landowners and complete investigations in accessible areas of each of the approximately 400 properties suspected to have been potentially contaminated by historical smelter emissions. Since August 2024, accessible areas of approximately 200 potentially affected properties have been investigated - with approximately 200 properties still requiring investigation.
Senversa has actively tried to contact the owners and occupants of all potentially affected properties to offer investigation of their properties on behalf of PKC. Contact has been sought through two letter drops, six rounds of door knocking and attendance at two community information sessions to seek access and written consent for investigation.
Investigation of accessible areas of select properties outside of the potentially affected area has also been completed – where evidence of smelter contamination in soil or dust has been provided by the occupant, landowner or NSW EPA.
The results of the investigations completed so far are being provided in a report to each property occupant and owner – following review and approval by the independent expert NSW EPA accredited Site Auditor and review by NSW EPA.
The investigations are being provided by PKC free of charge.
Commencement of remediation
PKC has remediated accessible soil and / or roof and indoor dust at approximately 30 properties which the Senversa investigations found were contaminated by historical smelter emissions. Each property that is found to have smelter contaminated soil and dust will be offered remediation.
The remediation will be provided free of charge by PKC.
PKC is not remediating soil and dust contamination associated with other sources that are known to exist in Port Kembla. These other sources included lead paint and leaded petrol residues and filling of land with industrial wastes (e.g., slag and coal wash).
Regulation
The investigation and remediation works are being completed under an Enforceable Undertaking (EU). The EU is a formal agreement with EPA to ensure the investigation and remediation work is completed by PKC. The EU also requires PKC to provide EPA with an $18.1 million dollar financial assurance. PKC entered in the EU voluntarily.
More information on the EU can be found here: Remediation of legacy smelter-related contamination in Port Kembla | EPA
We Are Here
2026
Sale Completion Announcement
PKC announced on 12 August 2026 that the sale of its former smelter property was completed. Further information on the recent sale completion is available on the Latest News page.
The proceeds from the sale of the former smelter will be used by PKC to fund the remaining investigation and remediation works.
Ongoing Investigation and Remediation
Senversa, on behalf of PKC, will continue to seek consent for investigation and remediation (if required) of accessible parts of properties potentially affected by historical smelter emissions, shown in the map above. Consent will also be sought to investigate select properties outside of this area – to assess if smelter contaminated soil and dust is more extensive that currently understood.
All investigation and remediation works and reports will be reviewed and approved by the independent expert EPA-accredited Site Auditor and reviewed by EPA. PKC will continue to keep the community, NSW EPA, NSW Health and WCC updated during the investigation and remediation program. The investigation and remediation program is expected to take two to three years to complete.