The boss of a West Coast mine shut down by the state government has accused it of “deeply damaging” behaviour, despite owing about $1 million to the Crown and millions more to contractors and suppliers.
Hellyer Gold Mines chief executive Graham Cox described the shutdown as “shocking” and called on Premier Jeremy Rockliff to overturn the decision delivered two days earlier.
“We are absolutely astonished by the behaviour of the Tasmanian government,” Cox said.
He said the company had “paid our dues” and done “everything asked of us”.
However, the government maintains Hellyer has fallen significantly behind in payments and had been given multiple chances to fix the problems.
Government minister Nick Duigan on Wednesday confirmed “around a million dollars” is owed to the government.
The Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council also said the company owed contractors and suppliers millions of dollars in addition to the unpaid Crown liabilities.
Cox said Hellyer had paid more than $8 million in royalties and taxes over the past year, including legacy debts left by previous owner NQ Minerals.
He described the outstanding issues as “very minor” and claimed the cease works notice came without warning.
“If there are matters to discuss, then let’s discuss them,” he said.
“That’s how responsible governance works. Suspending a vital operation and destroying livelihoods is not leadership, it’s negligence.”
More than 70 workers and contractors have been left uncertain about their jobs just weeks out from Christmas.
Business, Industry and Resources Minister Felix Ellis said the company had been given “multiple opportunities” over an “extended period” to address its non-compliances.
“Hellyer Gold Mines has been directed to cease operations following multiple and serious breaches of its legal and operational obligations under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995,” he said on Thursday.
“This decision was necessary to protect the integrity of Tasmania’s mining regulatory system and to ensure companies extracting Crown-owned minerals meet their legal obligations.”
Ellis said Mineral Resources Tasmania and the company were meeting again today to work through “all relevant matters”.
“Once the company resolves its non-compliances, operations can recommence quickly and lawfully,” he said.
“The government remains focused on ensuring Tasmanian resources are managed responsibly, safeguarding the environment and protecting Tasmanian taxpayers.”
The government has offered affected workers support services, including career advice and pathways to alternative employment.
Cox said Hellyer was ready to restart operations immediately and was seeking urgent talks with the premier’s office.
“I am hopeful that a resolution can be achieved quickly,” he said.
