Coronavirus travel restrictions have put a handbrake on South32's review into the future of the TEMCO manganese smelter at Bell Bay.
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In their March quarterly report to the ASX on Monday morning, South32 addressed the delay and other impacts resulting from COVID-19.
"While we progressed the review of options for our manganese alloy smelters, the timeline to complete the review has been impacted by government restrictions in response to COVID-19," the report states.
MORE ON THE TEMCO MANGANESE SMELTER:
"On 27 march we placed our South African manganese alloy smelter, Metalloys, on temporary care and maintenance in response to the national lockdown.
"As previously reported, we have initiated a Group-wide review that is expected to deliver a reduction in controllable costs across our operations from FY21."
South32 announced the smelter review in May last year, placing uncertainty around the future of about 300 jobs at the Bell Bay smelter.
The cost review commenced as a result of changed conditions due to coronavirus.
The company is investigating three main options: full closure, care and maintenance, or a sale of the smelter, which would help to retain jobs.
A South32 spokesperson said a further update would be provided in the coming months.
"The ongoing review is assessing options for TEMCO, including divestment, care and maintenance, or closure," the spokesperson said.
"Divestment options continue to be assessed and we expect to provide an update in the June quarter.
"We are engaging with our employees, governments and all other stakeholders throughout the process."