Sudden and unwarranted suspension threatens jobs, economy and Tasmania’s reputation for business

Hellyer Gold Mines is currently responding to the Tasmanian Government’s order regarding the suspension of its mining operations in Western Tasmania.
 

“We are absolutely astonished by the behaviour of the Tasmanian Government. This is a shocking and deeply damaging move to suspend mining operations without seeking to understand factual information prior to making decisions,” Hellyer Gold Mines, CEO, Graham Cox said.
 

The Cease Works Notice has placed more than 70 Tasmanian workers and contractors, and dozens of local suppliers in limbo just weeks before Christmas, undermining confidence in Tasmania’s mining sector and broader investment environment.
 

Graham Cox condemned the decision as reckless, unnecessary and completely at odds with the state’s claims of being open for business.
 

“We have acted transparently, responsibly and in full cooperation with the Tasmanian Government. To suspend mining operations of a productive and environmentally responsible operation without warning is counter intuitive.”
 

Cox added that Hellyer Gold Mines is a cornerstone of the northwest Tasmanian economy, contributing millions in wages, royalties and local procurement. The company employs more than 70 Tasmanian
workers, engages a network of regional suppliers and has returned significant royalties and taxes to the Tasmanian Government including legacy payments owed by former owners NQ Minerals Limited, in
excess of $8mil in the past 12 months. Millions more goes to other State owned corporations such as TasRail, TasPort and state owned electricity suppliers.
 

Despite working closely with Mineral Resources Tasmania (MRT) on a government-approved environmental bond program and a broad range of obligations, the company received a sudden and unexplained Cease Works Notice, issued without opportunity for discussion or resolution.
 

A call for leadership and accountability
 

“The decision demonstrates a lack of common sense from the Tasmanian Government,” Cox said.
 

“We have paid our dues, we have done everything asked of us without government bailouts or financial support and yet we’ve been suspended from mining over very minor issues, without warning.”
 

Hellyer Gold Mines is calling on Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff to immediately intervene, overturn the closure order and restore the mine’s operations without delay.
 

“We implore the Premier to intervene and show support for Tasmania’s business sector and mining industry,” Cox said.
 

“If there are matters to discuss, then let’s discuss them. That’s how responsible governance works. Suspending a vital operation and destroying livelihoods is not leadership, it’s negligence.”
 

World-class operations unfairly punished
 

Hellyer Gold Mines represents the best of responsible Australian mining: modern, transparent and environmentally sound. The company’s reprocessing operations recover lead and zinc from historic tailings, greatly reducing environmental impact while supporting key industries such as electronics, medical technology and renewable energy manufacturing.
 

The operation stands as a model for circular resource recovery, converting waste into value and creating a cleaner future for Tasmania. Its closure not only harms local communities but also threatens Tasmania’s reputation as a stable and investment-ready destination.
 

Protecting jobs, reputation and fairness
 

Hellyer Gold Mines has confirmed it remains ready to resume operations immediately. The company is seeking urgent dialogue with the Premier’s office and the Tasmanian Government to resolve any outstanding administrative matters constructively and transparently.
 

“We are committed to doing the right thing,” Cox said.
 

“We’ve worked in good faith to take on an operation that was severely distressed, riddled with debt and turn it around within a short period of time to become an environmentally and financially responsible mining operation and all we ask is that we be treated with the same good faith in return.
 

“Tasmania cannot afford to lose the jobs, the investment or the credibility that this mine represents.”
 

Key facts

• 70+ local employees and contractors directly impacted by the shutdown.
• Millions of dollars in annual economic contribution through wages, suppliers and royalties.
• Fully Australian-owned mining company operating one of the world’s leading tailings recovery facilities and high-grade Lead and Zinc underground mining operation
• All environmental and financial obligations met or being finalised with government oversight.
• Zero consultation or warning prior to the sudden closure order.

Restoring business confidence
 

Cox added that the temporary suspension of mining operations at Hellyer Gold Mines sends a dangerous message to Australian and international investors, that Tasmanian enterprises can be shut down overnight.
 

“Tasmania’s economy depends on strong industries like mining, agriculture and energy,” Cox said.
 

“If responsible businesses can be treated like this, the entire state’s investment reputation is at stake.”
 

“I am hopeful that a resolution can be achieved quickly. Hellyer Gold Mines has a long-standing relationship with the regulator (MRT) and is encouraged by the Director of Mines’ support today to work towards having the suspension removed as soon as possible. The Director is showing real leadership and working with us to get our operations going again.”