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 following ongoing operational and financial challenges.

Ernst and Young (EY) were appointed as Administrators, 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 ongoing impacts of the voluntary administration and potential pathways forward.

On 27 May 2026, following three offers to acquire LBB, the Administrators announced that a consortium headed by Adroit Capital was the preferred bidder. EY will now enter into exclusive negotiations with the consortium to acquire LBB.

To support the next phase of the sale process, the Australian and Tasmanian Government announced a further $5 million in wage funding support on 28 May 2026. This brings total joint Government support for wages to $9.6 million, following earlier commitments of $3 million on 24 April and $1.6 million on 15 May.

The wage funding support is provided on a 50:50 basis by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, and will be recognised as a liability for repayment through the sale of the business or ongoing administration process.

EY as the Administrators remain responsible for managing LBB, including undertaking consultation with employees in relation to workplace changes. LBB employees should seek advice based on their individual circumstances. General information and guidance is available on the Fair Work Ombudsman website: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/

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 the Tasmanian Business Advice Service website 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 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 the Workforce Australia website

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: