Zinifex to remove gas cloud above zinc works

The visible gas cloud coming from the Zinifex zinc works in Hobart could be gone by the end of next year.

The company will spend between $2 million and $3 million on new technologies to remove sulphur trioxide gas from the air.

The program is in addition to the $2 million the company is already spending to reduce heavy metal pollution into the Derwent.

The general manager of the smelter, Brett Fletcher, says although the emissions are within environmental licence limits, removing the plume will improve the company's environmental performance.

"I think it's about engaging and understanding the expectations of our stakeholders," he said.

"I mean I guess regardless of what the actual environmental impact of the plume is, is that if it's seen to be unsightly and a inconvenience or a loss of amenity to people, we take that very seriously."