Consortium eyes purchase of Tasmania's idle Liberty Bell Bay smelter amid liquidation

After creditors ordered the liquidation of Liberty Bell Bay, a group including White Oak and OM Holdings has signaled conditional interest in acquiring the site, pending government waivers on legacy environmental duties and the existing power contract.

The liquidation of Liberty Bell Bay, Tasmania’s sole manganese smelter, was approved by creditors on Monday, ending operations that had been suspended since May last year and putting about 200 workers out of work. The Australian Workers' Union says a consortium comprising White Oak, OM Holdings and a newly formed company, TEMCO Bell Bay, is conditionally prepared to purchase the facility and revive production, provided the Tasmanian government waives historic environmental liabilities and transfers the existing Hydro Tasmania power contract.

Union assistant branch secretary Richard Flanagan highlighted that the consortium believes it can secure enough private capital to recapitalise the plant, though significant refurbishment will be required. The government, represented by Resources Minister Felix Ellis, will evaluate any proposals but insists any deal must serve Tasmanian taxpayers. Earlier negotiations collapsed when Adroit Capital exited the process in June, and the liquidator EY Parthenon will consider all bids received.