By Peter Ker
The infamous Beaconsfield Gold Mine in northern Tasmania is set to close after its owners declared it was no longer viable.
Nearly six years after it shot to prominence amid a tragic mine collapse on Anzac Day 2006 which trapped several workers underground for two weeks, the mine will close in June next year.
Despite gold prices being near record highs, the owners of the mine - BCD Resources - said they are closing it because "at today's gold price it is not viable to mine below the current depth".
The company said it would review the decision if gold prices continued "trending upward" but most industry pundits believe the mine's future is doubtful if it cannot turn a profit with the current boom prices for gold miners.
At 1.2 kilometres, the mine is one of the deepest mines in Australia.
The closure will cost more than 150 jobs, including 103 full-time jobs.
The collapse in 2006 killed Larry Knight and turned two surviving miners Brant Webb and Todd Russell into national celebrities. A television drama of the incident is in production.
peter.ker@theage.com.au