Learn about the history of Port Pirie, a city in South Australia, and discover its fascinating past, including its early settlement, growth, and development over time.
Port Pirie was first explored by Europeans in 1845 when Matthew Flinders and William Hill surveyed Spencer Gulf. The area was later settled in 1849 by pastoralists who established sheep and cattle stations. In 1876, the discovery of rich silver and lead deposits in the area led to the establishment of the Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited (BHP), which opened the first smelter in 1889. The growth of the mining industry propelled the development of the town, making Port Pirie an important port for the export of lead and silver. Over the years, the smelter expanded, and other industries, such as manufacturing and agriculture, developed in the region. Today, it remains an important industrial and agricultural center in South Australia.