{
  "id": 337843,
  "title": "New attempt to revive manganese smelter in Tasmania",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/new-attempt-to-revive-manganese-smelter-in-tasmania",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-09T02:43:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-09/new-attempt-revive-liberty-bell-bay-smelter-tasmania/107014022"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Australian Workers Union reports parties interested in acquiring manganese smelter site.",
    "Consortium contingent on Tasmanian government waiving environmental liabilities.",
    "TEMCO Bell Bay, new company, to bid for site with potential revival."
  ],
  "editors_take": "A potential revival of the Bell Bay manganese smelter could save jobs and benefit Tasmanian taxpayers if the consortium's conditions are met and the government agrees to waive environmental liabilities.",
  "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."
}