New attempt to revive manganese smelter in Tasmania
The union representing workers at Australia's last manganese smelter says there are parties interested in taking over the site, days after the business was placed in liquidation.
Australia's last manganese smelter in Bell Bay, Tasmania, faces potential revival after creditors voted to liquidate the company, leaving around 200 workers without jobs. The Australian Workers' Union (AWU) reports that parties, including a consortium of White Oak and OM Holdings, are interested in acquiring the site. However, the consortium's interest is contingent on the Tasmanian government waiving pre-existing environmental liabilities and transferring the existing power deal from Hydro Tasmania.
The consortium has formed a new company, TEMCO Bell Bay, to bid for the site. GFG Alliance, the original owner, has been accused of moving $200 million out of the company via inter-company loans. Liquidator EY Parthenon believes the company was trading while insolvent for over a year. The Tasmanian government has shown interest in the proposal, with Resources Minister Felix Ellis stating they would have discussions with any interested parties, ensuring the deal benefits Tasmanian taxpayers.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written; read the original for the full account.
