Unions predict Australia could be without domestic structural and rail steelmaking for up to five years, as about 500 employees are made redundant at the Whyalla Steelworks.
About 250 employees are expected to take voluntary packages, but there will be forced redundancies. About 100 contractors will also go, after attempts to repair the plant's 60-year-old blast furnace failed.
Seventy-five per cent of the nation's structural steel comes from the Whyalla plant, and has been used in construction of the Western Sydney Airport and Optus Stadium in Perth.
The steelworks is also the sole domestic manufacturer of rail steel. The plant will keep operating using stockpiled as well as locally and internationally sourced semi-finished steel product.
Angelique Donnellan reports.
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