{
  "id": 2014117,
  "title": "UK-based firm eyes Tasmanian smelter in liquidation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/uk-based-firm-eyes-tasmanian-smelter-in-liquidation",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-19T20:13:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-20/natrium-redox-technologies-pitch-liberty-bell-bay-smelter/107053940"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "UK-based green technology firm Natrium Redox Technologies is actively pursuing the acquisition of Australia's only manganese alloy smelter, the Liberty Bell Bay in Tasmania, despite the site being in liquidation. The firm, headed by Dr Bill Higgs, suggests that the Tasmanian and federal governments should prioritize securing the site's future for Australia, rather than just serving the interests of creditors. Natrium Redox Technologies has been in dialogues with state and federal governments since March, proposing a green technology plan that would enable commercial-scale production of high-purity manganese without emitting carbon, while also potentially remedying the site. The company's proposals include a full-scale production plant that could add 20-40% to the existing plant's manganese production, or a smaller remediation proposal that would process 20,000 tonnes a year of the site's existing waste, helping to clean up the area. Natrium Redox argues that the site's environmental liabilities should be waived, and the remediation proposal would see these liabilities written down over time. The firm estimates that $30 million would be required upfront, with $15 million coming from the state and federal governments, and the remainder from Natrium Redox. Dr Higgs claims that this green technology could help meet Australia's EV and battery industry needs, maximizing the asset's value to the country. However, he notes that the site has never been insured on a standalone basis and that a combined $15 million investment would be needed to get the project underway.",
  "summary": "A UK-based green technologies company says the state and federal governments should continue agitating for the best interests of the country when it comes to Liberty Bell Bay's future.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}