Negotiations are ongoing between the administrator of the Liberty Bell Bay manganese smelter and its prospective buyer consortium, averting a potential immediate shutdown. The smelter has been mothballed, meaning operations are suspended but not permanently ceased. Details regarding the buyer consortium remain limited, but discussions are reportedly active. This development provides a temporary reprieve for the facility and associated jobs. The ABC News understands that the administrator is prioritizing a sale to maintain the smelter’s viability. Further updates are expected as the sale process progresses, but no firm timeline has been established. The continuation of talks suggests a commitment to finding a future for the smelter despite previous concerns about its long-term prospects.