The owner of the Bell Bay manganese smelter in northern Tasmania has entered voluntary administration following an intervention by the corporate regulator earlier this month.
Ernst and Young has been appointed as administrator of Liberty Bell Bay (LBB), and says it will work with governments and unions to ensure the smelter’s ongoing operations.
It will also meet with the company’s estimated 216-strong workforce.
Ernst and Young will attempt to secure further funding for operational costs and for employee wages, with its primary role to restructure or sell the company.
The existing management team remains in place.
Morgan Kelly, from Ernst and Young, said they will engage closely with state and federal governments.
“Our immediate focus is on…