Liberty Bell Bay pauses production, citing global or supply issues

Trump’s tariffs have impacted one of Northern Tasmania’s biggest industrial employers, with Liberty Bell Bay announcing it is slowing to “limited operations”. The latest >>

Liberal election event at Liberty in Bell Bay. Picture: ABC/pool

Trump’s tariffs have impacted one of Northern Tasmania’s biggest industrial employers, with Liberty Bell Bay announcing it is slowing to “limited operations”.

A spokesman for Liberty Bell Bay, formerly known as TEMCO said it lost its main ore supplier due to Tropical Cyclone Megan in March 2024.

“We are still working through ore supply options at present,” he said.

“Price volatility globally and the imposition of tariffs in the US have also impacted operations.”

The spokesman said the company had “no option but to enter a period of limited operations”.

Liberty Bell Bay is a producer of ferro manganese and silicomanganese — ferroalloys used in steelmaking — and was purchased by GFG Alliance from former owner South32 in 2021.

The Mercury understands LBB is consulting with the unions, and there are around 250 workers who are being asked to take any leave owing.

Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said the Tasmanian government had been in close contact with Liberty Bell Bay and GFG Alliance and would take immediate action to support impacted workers.

Liberal election event at Liberty in Bell Bay. Picture: ABC/pool

“We will respond accordingly with our focus on ensuring the wellbeing of the workers, suppliers, contractors and community impacted by this pause,” he said.

He said he had reached out directly to the Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayers “to make him aware of the situation as we believe that production out of Liberty Bell Bay is of national strategic importance”.

Mr Abetz said the government was a strong supporter of the facility and recognised Liberty Bell Bay as a key employer and contributor to the Tasmanian economy.

Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter said Labor had been monitoring the situation since GFG Groups Whyalla operations went into administration.

Mr Winter said it would be a mistake to characterise the slowing as being due to the availability of ore only, and blamed increasing transmission costs for the uncertain future.

“The transmission cost increases imposed on the major industrials by the Liberals at a time that they’re already fighting for their future, is indefensible,” Mr Winter said.

He said workers were nervous and the Tasmanian government needed a “clear plan” to continue full operations at the site.

Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone CEO Susie Bower said the industry-based economic development group would support and assist Liberty Bell Bay and other businesses that supply products and services to Liberty Bell Bay during this challenging time.

She said any affected employers would be supported through BBAMZ Northern Employment and Business Hub employment service.

Originally published as Liberty Bell Bay pauses production, citing global or supply issues