Arabic version: ناتريوم ريدوكس تطرح إحياءً أخضر لمصهر ليبرتي بيل باي

According to ABC News, UK-based Natrium Redox Technologies is pursuing proposals to acquire and redevelop Tasmania’s Liberty Bell Bay manganese smelter, which entered liquidation after closing earlier this month. The 66-year-old site is Australia’s only manganese alloy smelter and had employed about 200 people before they lost their jobs.

EY Parthenon was appointed liquidator after creditors voted to wind up the business. US private equity firm White Oak, a secured creditor, reportedly has renewed interest in buying the site. Tasmanian Industry Minister Felix Ellis said he had asked EY to ensure credible proposals were considered through an appropriate market-testing process.

Natrium Redox executive chairman Dr Bill Higgs said the company has discussed its proposal with Tasmanian and federal governments since March. Its technology uses sodium rather than coke to remove oxygen from manganese ore, which the company says can produce high-purity manganese powder without carbon dioxide emissions.

One proposal would restart the site’s traditional furnaces and add a manganese processing plant capable of handling 35,000 to 70,000 tonnes a year. Dr Higgs said this could eventually employ more than 220 workers, but warned that costs and risks rise the longer the submerged arc furnaces remain idle.

A second option would process about 20,000 tonnes a year of existing waste to recover metals and help remediate the site, initially employing around 14 people. Dr Higgs said Natrium Redox would seek government support, including a combined $15 million from state and federal governments, alongside its own funding. Mr Ellis said proposals involving energy arrangements, environmental liabilities or taxpayer support must serve Tasmanian taxpayers and the community.