The Nyrstar zinc factory in Pelt has been granted an environmental permit by the Province of Limburg, allowing it to continue operations until the end of 2027 under stricter discharge conditions.
The current permit was set to expire at the end of this year. Opposition came from the Dutch province of North Brabant, which argued against renewal because chemical substances from the plant ultimately flow into the Dommel River via the Eindergatloop brook. North Brabant claimed that this flow would hinder the achievement of mandatory cleaner water goals by 2027. The Pelt municipal council also issued a negative recommendation.
Despite these objections, the Limburg provincial government approved the permit, with tighter limits on the discharge of chloride, sulphate, thallium, and selenium. A press statement emphasised that the province’s environmental licensing committee, the Flemish Environment Agency, and the Agency for Nature and Forests all issued unanimous positive advice—on condition that stricter standards are strictly adhered to and further studies are conducted to explore additional mitigation measures.
According to the province, the new permit is expected to lead to “a slight improvement compared to the current situation, reducing the impact on protected habitats and species.” Christen Democratisch en Vlaams (CD&V) representative Inge Moors described the approval as “a good step” but warned that significantly greater progress will be required when the permit comes up for renewal.
The discharge levels will be closely monitored throughout the permit period, while further studies will evaluate “additional measures to structurally reduce the impact on water quality and biodiversity in and around the Dommel,” the statement added.
Limburg province noted that measurements taken in recent years indicate reduced discharges due to improved source reduction and purification techniques. Nonetheless, it acknowledged that “European environmental quality standards are still not being met consistently.”
Nyrstar has yet to comment on the decision.
