A troubled manganese smelter in Tasmania’s north, Liberty Bell Bay, has acquired its first shipment of ore after the corporate introduced in Could it could be getting into right into a interval of restricted operations.
“On account of ongoing challenges with ore provide, Liberty Bell Bay has no choice however to enter a interval of restricted operations,” a spokesperson stated on Could 19.
“Worth volatility globally and the imposition of tariffs within the US have additionally impacted operations.”
Liberty Bell Bay is Australia’s solely manganese alloy smelter, making merchandise that strengthen metal. (ABC Information: Owain Stia-James)
That interval of restricted operations has now ended, with the first shipment of ore unloaded on the manganese alloy smelter.
It was paid for with a $20 million mortgage from the Tasmanian authorities.
Requires long-term plan
Labor’s vitality spokesperson, Janie Finlay, stated whereas the shipment offered certainty for the workforce at Liberty, a long-term plan was wanted.
“There’s nonetheless ongoing uncertainty round provide of supplies and the financial viability of the location beneath its present possession, GFG Group,” Ms Finlay stated.
“The mortgage would possibly get the smelter by way of the instant problem, however with out decisive motion, the danger of uncertainty will proceed to hang-out the employees and their households.“
Janie Finlay is looking for “decisive motion” to make sure the smelter’s future. (ABC Information: Emily JB Smith)
Liberty Bell Bay employs roughly 250 staff.
In 2020, it was purchased by the worldwide firm GFG Alliance, which is headed by British businessman Sanjeev Gupta.
Mr Gupta has additionally made headlines lately over one other of GFG’s property — the Whyalla steelworks in South Australia, which is shedding cash and was forced into administration by the SA government in February.
The Liberty Bell Bay smelter was previously often known as TEMCO, the Tasmanian Electro Metallurgical Firm. (GFG Alliance)
Anthony Bevan from the Australian Staff Union stated the uncertainty was “mentally draining” for workers.
“They simply need some certainty. They’re nervous about the whole lot,” he stated.
“It is a viable web site, so there must be funding, and we simply wish to see these staff proceed with their employment.”
Mr Bevan stated there was usually a 20-day turnaround between shipments of ore.
Staff not realizing when the subsequent shipment will arrive was “making them nervous.”
‘Crack on with it,’ premier says
Premier Jeremy Rockliff stated the Tasmanian authorities was in fixed contact with GFG Alliance concerning the smelter’s future.
Tasmania’s Premier Jeremy Rockliff, talking about Liberty Bell Bay. (ABC Information: Emily JB Smith)
“It is now as much as the corporate to pitch in and do their job and safe the employment of all these priceless staff,” Mr Rockliff stated.
“We’re working with the corporate, we’ve reached in significantly to assist the employees.
“I do know it is an unsure time and what’s vital is that the corporate themselves additionally crack on with it and get on with the job.“
GFG Alliance has been contacted for remark.
