Wages for workers at the Liberty Bell Bay Smelter have been secured for the next three weeks, in a deal reached between the Tasmanian and federal governments.

The ferromanganese smelter, at Bell Bay in Northern Tasmania, was put into administration on March 23 this year, and a search for a new buyer continues.

Last week, the near 200 strong workforce had been told to take unpaid leave from this Friday, or lose their jobs.

They were originally told that decision needed to be made by 5pm on Tuesday, but with the state and federal governments nearing a deal, that deadline was extended until 5pm Thursday

Federal Industry Minister Tim Ayres visited the site with Premier Jeremy Rockliff this morning to announce a deal had been reached to provide the surety for workers’ wages.

Australian Workers Union assistant national secretary Chris Donovan estimates the weekly wage bill at the site is $1.6 million.

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