A legacy of Australian-made steel

The Whyalla Steelworks is a foundational industrial asset in South Australia, with a proud legacy of producing steel for over 80 years.

As one of the largest employers and economic drivers in the Upper Spencer Gulf, the facility has played a critical role in shaping Australia’s steel industry and supporting national infrastructure.

Located on South Australia’s Spencer Gulf, Whyalla’s strategic position offers direct access to export markets through existing port infrastructure, and proximity to mining operations in the Gawler Craton and Middleback Ranges.

Whyalla is critical to the future of sovereign Australian steel:

Whyalla is one of only two Australian primary steelworks and is the only manufacturer of long products which include hot rolled structural steel sections and rail.
Steel from Whyalla helps Australia build and maintain its infrastructure – including railways, bridges, schools, hospitals, high-rise towers, transmission infrastructure and defence assets.
The Whyalla Steelworks is also critical for future ambitions for green iron production and green steel manufacturing, which will be increasingly demanded as the world seeks to decarbonise.

Joint government commitment

The Commonwealth and South Australian Governments have jointly committed funding to support a transformation of the operations into a commercially viable, low-emissions, 'pit to port' iron and steel facility underpinning long-term jobs and economic resilience for Whyalla and the Upper Spencer Gulf.

The assistance package includes:

supporting the administration process
$100 million in immediate, on-the-ground help for impacted workers and businesses
$1.9 billion investment in the future of the Steelworks.

Government support for Whyalla recognises the important role it currently plays in the South Australian and national economies, its contribution to sovereign steelmaking capability, and its significant future potential.

The Whyalla Steelworks Commonwealth-SA Joint Taskforce has been established to advise both governments during the administration process.