Australia’s last manganese smelter will shut down, ending months of uncertainty for workers and dealing a major blow to northern Tasmania’s industrial heartland.

More than 200 workers will lose their jobs after a consortium engaged to take over the Tasmanian manganese plant pulled out of the deal.

Australia's only manganese smelter is ceasing operations, leaving more than 200 employees without work in northern Tasmania.

Australia’s last manganese smelter will shut down, ending months of uncertainty for workers and dealing a major blow to northern Tasmania’s industrial heartland.