Liberty Bell Bay

Liberty Bell Bay (LBB) has not been in production since early June 2025. On 23 March 2026, LBB was placed into voluntary administration by a creditor, White Oak Commercial Finance, following ongoing operational and financial challenges.

Administrators have been appointed with the objective of stabilising the business and testing the market for a potential sale or recapitalisation. The Tasmanian Government is actively engaging with the appointed administrators, receivers and key stakeholders to understand the immediate impacts of the voluntary administration and potential pathways forward.

In November 2025, the Bell Bay Response Team was established to ensure a forum was in place to rapidly respond to the evolving situation. This group brings together local industry, community and federal, state and local government representatives. Considering recent events, the Response Team will urgently convene on 24 March 2026 to coordinate engagement across government agencies and assess implications for LBB workers, the Bell Bay precinct and the broader supply chain.

Previously, the Tasmanian Government approved a secured loan of $20 million to LBB to enable the purchase of manganese ore required to support a restart of operations. This support was intended to assist workers, contractors and businesses in the local supply chain by facilitating a return to production. Despite ongoing engagement, LBB did not meet a number of conditions attached to the loan, a restart did not occur, and the loan expired on 18 January without repayment. As a result, the Tasmanian Government appointed receivers and managers over the ore to protect the secured asset and Tasmania’s interests.

Further information will be provided as the situation develops.

Pouring hot liquid in a factory.

Support for workers and businesses

Business Tasmania can provide information and support, as well as referrals to relevant services including free business advice through the Tasmanian Business Advice Service. For more information visit https://www.businessadvice.tas.gov.au/ or contact the Business Tasmania team on 1800 440 026 or at ask@business.tas.gov.au

Jobs Tasmania has several programs that offer targeted support for employees including:

  • Regional Jobs Hubs – providing connections to local employers, training and job opportunities and can also assist with pre-employment support including resume writing, interview preparation and career coaching.
  • Career Connector Service – supporting redundant workers to find new employment by providing skills assessment, careers coaching and employment advice, and providing referrals to employers, service providers or employment agencies.
  • Rapid Response Skills Initiative – providing up to $3,000 to people who have lost their job due to retrenchment, business downsizing, or closure. Funding can be used for occupational tickets/licences, formal education and training and non-accredited training to help move into new employment quickly.

More information on these services, including how to access them, can be found on the Jobs Tasmania website https://www.jt.tas.gov.au/ on their factsheet or by contacting Business Tasmania.

Retrenched workers and their partners may also be eligible for support from the Australian Government through Workforce Australia. For more information visit: https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/coaching/assistance/retrenched-workers

This type of uncertainty can be a stressful time for those impacted, including employees, families, businesses and members of the broader community. Free and confidential support is available through: