Bingera Mill - Revision history

Bmhcjs at 04:24, 5 October 2026

2026-10-05T04:24:39Z

Bmhcjs: Bmhcjs moved page Bingera Sugar Mill to Bingera Mill

2026-01-16T10:39:12Z

Bmhcjs moved page Bingera Sugar Mill to Bingera Mill

← Older revision	Revision as of 20:39, 16 January 2026
(No difference)

Bmhcjs: /* Location */

2026-01-16T06:02:22Z

Location

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:02, 16 January 2026
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	== Location ==		== Location ==
	<display_map>-19.~~25351~~, ~~146~~.~~82859~~</display_map>		<display_map>-24.929415527064023, 152.19909292280119</display_map>

	== Rollingstock ==		== Rollingstock ==

Bmhcjs at 06:02, 16 January 2026

2026-01-16T06:02:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:02, 16 January 2026
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	\| image = StateLibQld 2 236981 Bingera Sugar Mill in the Bundaberg region.jpg		\| image = StateLibQld 2 236981 Bingera Sugar Mill in the Bundaberg region.jpg
	\| caption = Bingera Sugar Mill. 1907. State Library of Queensland.		\| caption = Bingera Sugar Mill. 1907. State Library of Queensland.
	\| coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=-19.~~25351~~,~~146~~.~~82859 19~~.~~25351°~~ S, ~~146~~.~~82859°~~ E]		\| coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=-24.929415527064023,152.19909292280119 24.92941° S, 152.19909° E]
	\| region = [[Southern Region \| Bundaberg]]		\| region = [[Southern Region \| Bundaberg]]
	\| lga = [[Bundaberg Regional Council]]		\| lga = [[Bundaberg Regional Council]]
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	\| owner = [[Bundaberg Sugar]]		\| owner = [[Bundaberg Sugar]]
	\| gauge = 610 mm (2ft)		\| gauge = 610 mm (2ft)
	\| crush = ~~750~~,000 tonnes ~~(storage capacity)~~		\| crush = 450,000 tonnes, seasonal average prior to closure.
	}}		}}
	== Bingera Mill ==		== Bingera Mill ==

Bmhcjs at 06:00, 16 January 2026

2026-01-16T06:00:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:00, 16 January 2026
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	{{Infobox Mill		{{Infobox Mill
	\| name = ~~Townsville Bulk Sugar Terminal~~		\| name = Bingera Mill
	\| image = ~~Views of the Port of Townsville from~~ the ~~Magnetic Island ferry, Townsville, Australia 01~~.jpg		\| image = StateLibQld 2 236981 Bingera Sugar Mill in the Bundaberg region.jpg
	\| caption = ~~View of the loader~~ of ~~the Townsville Bulk Sugar Terminal~~.		\| caption = Bingera Sugar Mill. 1907. State Library of Queensland.
	\| coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=-19.25351,146.82859 19.25351° S, 146.82859° E]		\| coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=-19.25351,146.82859 19.25351° S, 146.82859° E]
	\| region = [[~~Herbert & Burdekin~~ Region \| ~~Townsville~~]]		\| region = [[Southern Region \| Bundaberg]]
	\| lga = [[~~Townsville City~~ Council]]		\| lga = [[Bundaberg Regional Council]]
	\| established = ~~1959~~ ({{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}-~~1959~~}} years ago)		\| established = 1885 ({{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}-1885}} years ago)
	\| closed =		\| closed = 2020 ({{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}-2020}} years ago)
	\| owner = [[Sugar ~~Terminals Limited~~]]		\| owner = [[Bundaberg Sugar]]
	\| gauge = ~~1067~~ mm (~~3 ft 6 in~~)		\| gauge = 610 mm (2ft)
	\| crush = 750,000 tonnes (storage capacity)		\| crush = 750,000 tonnes (storage capacity)
	}}		}}

Bmhcjs at 05:55, 16 January 2026

2026-01-16T05:55:43Z

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 == Bingera Mill ==
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 Upon the mill's closure in 2020, the tramway network remained active but was repurposed to feed the Millaquin Mill. To facilitate this, Bundaberg Sugar invested in a new rail bridge crossing over the Burnett River to link the northern cane fields (formerly Bingera's territory) directly to the Millaquin network.<ref>Our Bundaberg Region, [https://www.ourbundabergregion.com.au/bundaberg-sugar-cane-rail-bridge/faqs FAQs: Bundaberg Sugar Cane Rail Bridge], Bundaberg Regional Council, 2021.</ref>
 == References ==
 <references />

Bmhcjs at 05:54, 16 January 2026

2026-01-16T05:54:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:54, 16 January 2026
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	Bingera Mill		== Bingera Mill ==

	Bingera Mill was a raw sugar factory located on the north side of the Burnett River, approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Bundaberg, Queensland. Established in 1885 by the Gibson family, it became one of the largest sugar mills in the district and operated for 135 years before its closure in 2020.<ref>Queensland Places, Bingera and South Bingera, Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2018.</ref> Throughout its operational life, the mill was serviced by an extensive 610 millimetre (2 foot) gauge tramway network which remains in use to transport cane to the Millaquin Mill.<ref>Light Railway Research Society of Australia, Queensland sugar cane railways today, LRRSA, 2020.</ref>		Bingera Mill was a raw sugar factory located on the north side of the Burnett River, approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Bundaberg, Queensland. Established in 1885 by the Gibson family, it became one of the largest sugar mills in the district and operated for 135 years before its closure in 2020.<ref>Queensland Places, [https://queenslandplaces.com.au/bingera-and-south-bingera Bingera and South Bingera], Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2018.</ref> Throughout its operational life, the mill was serviced by an extensive 610 millimetre (2 foot) gauge tramway network which remains in use to transport cane to the Millaquin Mill.<ref>Light Railway Research Society of Australia, [https://www.lrrsa.org.au/LRR_SGRz.htm Queensland sugar cane railways today], LRRSA, 2020.</ref>

	Origins and Establishment		=== Origins and Establishment ===

	The history of Bingera Mill is closely tied to the Gibson family. William Gibson, a sugar grower who had previously operated at Hemmant near Brisbane, sought new land in the Bundaberg region in the early 1880s.<ref>Australian Dictionary of Biography, Gibson, Angus (1842–1920), National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, 1983.</ref> In 1883, Gibson purchased land on the northern bank of the Burnett River. To finance the venture, his sons formed a partnership with John Howes and Brothers, leading to the establishment of the Bingera Plantation. The name Bingera is believed to be derived from an Aboriginal word indicating bony bream (a type of fish).<ref>Queensland Places, Bingera and South Bingera, Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2018.</ref>		The history of Bingera Mill is closely tied to the Gibson family. William Gibson, a sugar grower who had previously operated at Hemmant near Brisbane, sought new land in the Bundaberg region in the early 1880s.<ref>Australian Dictionary of Biography, [https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/gibson-angus-3607 Gibson, Angus (1842–1920)], National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, 1983.</ref> In 1883, Gibson purchased land on the northern bank of the Burnett River. To finance the venture, his sons formed a partnership with John Howes and Brothers, leading to the establishment of the Bingera Plantation. The name Bingera is believed to be derived from an Aboriginal word indicating bony bream (a type of fish).<ref>Queensland Places, [https://queenslandplaces.com.au/bingera-and-south-bingera Bingera and South Bingera], Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2018.</ref>

	Construction of the mill proceeded rapidly between 1883 to 1885. The facility was equipped with a large crushing plant, a sawmill, and water pumping machinery. The first crushing season occurred in 1885. Unlike many other mills in the region which subdivided their plantations into smaller farms, Bingera maintained a large estate structure for many years. By 1889, the partnership had invested significantly in the site, employing nearly 100 Europeans and approximately 200 South Sea Islanders (Kanakas).<ref>Australian Dictionary of Biography, Gibson, Angus (1842–1920), National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, 1983.</ref>		Construction of the mill proceeded rapidly between 1883 to 1885. The facility was equipped with a large crushing plant, a sawmill, and water pumping machinery. The first crushing season occurred in 1885. Unlike many other mills in the region which subdivided their plantations into smaller farms, Bingera maintained a large estate structure for many years. By 1889, the partnership had invested significantly in the site, employing nearly 100 Europeans and approximately 200 South Sea Islanders (Kanakas).<ref>Australian Dictionary of Biography, [https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/gibson-angus-3607 Gibson, Angus (1842–1920)], National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, 1983.</ref>

	Expansion and Modernisation		=== Expansion and Modernisation ===

	In 1897, the government railway siding serving the mill, previously known as Gibsons Siding, was renamed Bingera. The mill grew to become the largest in the Bundaberg district during the early 20th century. In 1904, the partnership was formally floated as a company named Gibson and Howes Limited.<ref>Fryer Library Manuscripts, UQFL357 Brenda Martin Collection, University of Queensland, 2010.</ref>		In 1897, the government railway siding serving the mill, previously known as Gibsons Siding, was renamed Bingera. The mill grew to become the largest in the Bundaberg district during the early 20th century. In 1904, the partnership was formally floated as a company named Gibson and Howes Limited.<ref>Fryer Library Manuscripts, [https://manuscripts.library.uq.edu.au/downloads/uqfl357.pdf UQFL357 Brenda Martin Collection], University of Queensland, 2010.</ref>

	The mill underwent continual technical upgrades to increase crushing capacity. In 1909, the company took delivery of three distinctive steam locomotives from Glasgow to work their expanding tramway network: The Rose, The Thistle, and The Crown.<ref>Fryer Library Manuscripts, UQFL357 Brenda Martin Collection, University of Queensland, 2010.</ref>		The mill underwent continual technical upgrades to increase crushing capacity. In 1909, the company took delivery of three distinctive steam locomotives from Glasgow to work their expanding tramway network: The Rose, The Thistle, and The Crown.<ref>Fryer Library Manuscripts, [https://manuscripts.library.uq.edu.au/downloads/uqfl357.pdf UQFL357 Brenda Martin Collection], University of Queensland, 2010.</ref>

	Following the passing of the founders, descendants of the Gibson and Howes families continued to manage the mill for decades. The surrounding community thrived, with the mill serving as the economic and social hub of the locality.<ref>Queensland Places, Bingera and South Bingera, Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2018.</ref>		Following the passing of the founders, descendants of the Gibson and Howes families continued to manage the mill for decades. The surrounding community thrived, with the mill serving as the economic and social hub of the locality.<ref>Queensland Places, [https://queenslandplaces.com.au/bingera-and-south-bingera Bingera and South Bingera], Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2018.</ref>

	Bundaberg Sugar Era		=== Bundaberg Sugar Era ===

	In 1972, Gibson and Howes Limited was acquired by Bundaberg Sugar Limited, marking the end of independent family ownership.<ref>Bundaberg Sugar, Company History, Bundaberg Sugar Ltd, 2018.</ref> Under Bundaberg Sugar, Bingera was integrated into a wider regional strategy.		In 1972, Gibson and Howes Limited was acquired by Bundaberg Sugar Limited, marking the end of independent family ownership.<ref>Bundaberg Sugar, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bundaberg_Sugar Company History], Bundaberg Sugar Ltd, 2018.</ref> Under Bundaberg Sugar, Bingera was integrated into a wider regional strategy.

	The closure of the Fairymead Mill in 2002 resulted in a significant redistribution of cane supply. Bingera absorbed a portion of the cane supply that had previously gone to Fairymead, ensuring the mill remained viable despite the closure of other factories in the region.<ref>Queensland Places, Bingera and South Bingera, Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2018.</ref> By 2010, the site had expanded its operations to include a joint venture with Bundaberg Macadamias, diversifying the land use around the mill.<ref>Queensland Places, Bingera and South Bingera, Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2018.</ref>		The closure of the Fairymead Mill in 2002 resulted in a significant redistribution of cane supply. Bingera absorbed a portion of the cane supply that had previously gone to Fairymead, ensuring the mill remained viable despite the closure of other factories in the region.<ref>Queensland Places, [https://queenslandplaces.com.au/bingera-and-south-bingera Bingera and South Bingera], Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2018.</ref> By 2010, the site had expanded its operations to include a joint venture with Bundaberg Macadamias, diversifying the land use around the mill.<ref>Queensland Places, [https://queenslandplaces.com.au/bingera-and-south-bingera Bingera and South Bingera], Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2018.</ref>

	Closure		=== Closure ===

	In October 2020, Bundaberg Sugar announced that Bingera Mill would close following the conclusion of the 2020 crushing season. The decision was driven by declining cane tonnage in the Bundaberg region, which had dropped from 1.8 million tonnes in 2016 to just over 1 million tonnes in 2020. The company determined that running two mills (Bingera and Millaquin) was no longer economically sustainable.<ref>Food & Drink Business, Bundaberg Sugar to close Bingera mill, Yaffa Media, 28 October 2020.</ref>		In October 2020, Bundaberg Sugar announced that Bingera Mill would close following the conclusion of the 2020 crushing season. The decision was driven by declining cane tonnage in the Bundaberg region, which had dropped from 1.8 million tonnes in 2016 to just over 1 million tonnes in 2020. The company determined that running two mills (Bingera and Millaquin) was no longer economically sustainable.<ref>Food & Drink Business, [https://www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au/news/bundaberg-sugar-to-close-bingera-mill Bundaberg Sugar to close Bingera mill], Yaffa Media, 28 October 2020.</ref>

	Following the closure, all cane previously crushed at Bingera was diverted to the Millaquin Mill, located on the south side of the Burnett River. This consolidation required significant logistical changes to the cane railway network to transport cane across the river.<ref>Bundaberg Regional Council, Bingera Mill closure reflects ongoing transition, Bundaberg Regional Council, 25 October 2020.</ref>		Following the closure, all cane previously crushed at Bingera was diverted to the Millaquin Mill, located on the south side of the Burnett River. This consolidation required significant logistical changes to the cane railway network to transport cane across the river.<ref>Bundaberg Regional Council, [https://www.brcnow.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/2020/10/25/bingera-mill-jobs-package-needed/ Bingera Mill closure reflects ongoing transition], Bundaberg Regional Council, 25 October 2020.</ref>

	Tramway Network		=== Tramway Network ===

	Bingera Mill was served by an extensive 610 mm gauge tramway system that connected the mill to farms in the Kolan, Gin Gin, and Bingera districts. The network was renowned for its scenic lines and substantial infrastructure.		Bingera Mill was served by an extensive 610 mm gauge tramway system that connected the mill to farms in the Kolan, Gin Gin, and Bingera districts. The network was renowned for its scenic lines and substantial infrastructure.

	Historically, the system operated a fleet of steam locomotives, eventually transitioning to diesel-hydraulic locomotives in the mid-20th century. Notable preserved steam locomotives from Bingera include the German-built Koppel locomotives and the aforementioned Scottish locos.<ref>Australian Steam, Sugar Industry Preserved Locomotives, Australian Steam, 2014.</ref>		Historically, the system operated a fleet of steam locomotives, eventually transitioning to diesel-hydraulic locomotives in the mid-20th century. Notable preserved steam locomotives from Bingera include the German-built Koppel locomotives and the aforementioned Scottish locos.<ref>Australian Steam, [http://www.australiansteam.com/sugar.htm Sugar Industry Preserved Locomotives], Australian Steam, 2014.</ref>

	Upon the mill's closure in 2020, the tramway network remained active but was repurposed to feed the Millaquin Mill. To facilitate this, Bundaberg Sugar invested in a new rail bridge crossing over the Burnett River to link the northern cane fields (formerly Bingera's territory) directly to the Millaquin network.<ref>Our Bundaberg Region, FAQs: Bundaberg Sugar Cane Rail Bridge, Bundaberg Regional Council, 2021.</ref>		Upon the mill's closure in 2020, the tramway network remained active but was repurposed to feed the Millaquin Mill. To facilitate this, Bundaberg Sugar invested in a new rail bridge crossing over the Burnett River to link the northern cane fields (formerly Bingera's territory) directly to the Millaquin network.<ref>Our Bundaberg Region, [https://www.ourbundabergregion.com.au/bundaberg-sugar-cane-rail-bridge/faqs FAQs: Bundaberg Sugar Cane Rail Bridge], Bundaberg Regional Council, 2021.</ref>

	References		== References ==
	<references />		<references />

Bmhcjs at 05:53, 16 January 2026

2026-01-16T05:53:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:53, 16 January 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	~~The~~ Bingera ~~Sugar~~ Mill, ~~established~~ by William Gibson in ~~1885 near~~ Bundaberg, Queensland, was a ~~significant local landmark~~, ~~operating~~ for ~~over~~ a ~~century under~~ Gibson and Howes family ~~management before being acquired~~ by Bundaberg Sugar in ~~1972~~. ~~After surviving~~ a ~~major fire~~ in 2014, the mill's ~~operations ceased~~ in 2020.		Bingera Mill

			Bingera Mill was a raw sugar factory located on the north side of the Burnett River, approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Bundaberg, Queensland. Established in 1885 by the Gibson family, it became one of the largest sugar mills in the district and operated for 135 years before its closure in 2020.<ref>Queensland Places, Bingera and South Bingera, Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2018.</ref> Throughout its operational life, the mill was serviced by an extensive 610 millimetre (2 foot) gauge tramway network which remains in use to transport cane to the Millaquin Mill.<ref>Light Railway Research Society of Australia, Queensland sugar cane railways today, LRRSA, 2020.</ref>

			Origins and Establishment

			The history of Bingera Mill is closely tied to the Gibson family. William Gibson, a sugar grower who had previously operated at Hemmant near Brisbane, sought new land in the Bundaberg region in the early 1880s.<ref>Australian Dictionary of Biography, Gibson, Angus (1842–1920), National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, 1983.</ref> In 1883, Gibson purchased land on the northern bank of the Burnett River. To finance the venture, his sons formed a partnership with John Howes and Brothers, leading to the establishment of the Bingera Plantation. The name Bingera is believed to be derived from an Aboriginal word indicating bony bream (a type of fish).<ref>Queensland Places, Bingera and South Bingera, Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2018.</ref>

			Construction of the mill proceeded rapidly between 1883 to 1885. The facility was equipped with a large crushing plant, a sawmill, and water pumping machinery. The first crushing season occurred in 1885. Unlike many other mills in the region which subdivided their plantations into smaller farms, Bingera maintained a large estate structure for many years. By 1889, the partnership had invested significantly in the site, employing nearly 100 Europeans and approximately 200 South Sea Islanders (Kanakas).<ref>Australian Dictionary of Biography, Gibson, Angus (1842–1920), National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, 1983.</ref>

			Expansion and Modernisation

			In 1897, the government railway siding serving the mill, previously known as Gibsons Siding, was renamed Bingera. The mill grew to become the largest in the Bundaberg district during the early 20th century. In 1904, the partnership was formally floated as a company named Gibson and Howes Limited.<ref>Fryer Library Manuscripts, UQFL357 Brenda Martin Collection, University of Queensland, 2010.</ref>

			The mill underwent continual technical upgrades to increase crushing capacity. In 1909, the company took delivery of three distinctive steam locomotives from Glasgow to work their expanding tramway network: The Rose, The Thistle, and The Crown.<ref>Fryer Library Manuscripts, UQFL357 Brenda Martin Collection, University of Queensland, 2010.</ref>

			Following the passing of the founders, descendants of the Gibson and Howes families continued to manage the mill for decades. The surrounding community thrived, with the mill serving as the economic and social hub of the locality.<ref>Queensland Places, Bingera and South Bingera, Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2018.</ref>

			Bundaberg Sugar Era

			In 1972, Gibson and Howes Limited was acquired by Bundaberg Sugar Limited, marking the end of independent family ownership.<ref>Bundaberg Sugar, Company History, Bundaberg Sugar Ltd, 2018.</ref> Under Bundaberg Sugar, Bingera was integrated into a wider regional strategy.

			The closure of the Fairymead Mill in 2002 resulted in a significant redistribution of cane supply. Bingera absorbed a portion of the cane supply that had previously gone to Fairymead, ensuring the mill remained viable despite the closure of other factories in the region.<ref>Queensland Places, Bingera and South Bingera, Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2018.</ref> By 2010, the site had expanded its operations to include a joint venture with Bundaberg Macadamias, diversifying the land use around the mill.<ref>Queensland Places, Bingera and South Bingera, Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2018.</ref>

			Closure

			In October 2020, Bundaberg Sugar announced that Bingera Mill would close following the conclusion of the 2020 crushing season. The decision was driven by declining cane tonnage in the Bundaberg region, which had dropped from 1.8 million tonnes in 2016 to just over 1 million tonnes in 2020. The company determined that running two mills (Bingera and Millaquin) was no longer economically sustainable.<ref>Food & Drink Business, Bundaberg Sugar to close Bingera mill, Yaffa Media, 28 October 2020.</ref>

			Following the closure, all cane previously crushed at Bingera was diverted to the Millaquin Mill, located on the south side of the Burnett River. This consolidation required significant logistical changes to the cane railway network to transport cane across the river.<ref>Bundaberg Regional Council, Bingera Mill closure reflects ongoing transition, Bundaberg Regional Council, 25 October 2020.</ref>

			Tramway Network

			Bingera Mill was served by an extensive 610 mm gauge tramway system that connected the mill to farms in the Kolan, Gin Gin, and Bingera districts. The network was renowned for its scenic lines and substantial infrastructure.

			Historically, the system operated a fleet of steam locomotives, eventually transitioning to diesel-hydraulic locomotives in the mid-20th century. Notable preserved steam locomotives from Bingera include the German-built Koppel locomotives and the aforementioned Scottish locos.<ref>Australian Steam, Sugar Industry Preserved Locomotives, Australian Steam, 2014.</ref>

			Upon the mill's closure in 2020, the tramway network remained active but was repurposed to feed the Millaquin Mill. To facilitate this, Bundaberg Sugar invested in a new rail bridge crossing over the Burnett River to link the northern cane fields (formerly Bingera's territory) directly to the Millaquin network.<ref>Our Bundaberg Region, FAQs: Bundaberg Sugar Cane Rail Bridge, Bundaberg Regional Council, 2021.</ref>

			References
			<references />

Bmhcjs: Created page with "The Bingera Sugar Mill, established by William Gibson in 1885 near Bundaberg, Queensland, was a significant local landmark, operating for over a century under Gibson and Howes family management before being acquired by Bundaberg Sugar in 1972. After surviving a major fire in 2014, the mill's operations ceased in 2020."

2026-01-02T08:08:10Z

Created page with "The Bingera Sugar Mill, established by William Gibson in 1885 near Bundaberg, Queensland, was a significant local landmark, operating for over a century under Gibson and Howes family management before being acquired by Bundaberg Sugar in 1972. After surviving a major fire in 2014, the mill's operations ceased in 2020."

New page

The Bingera Sugar Mill, established by William Gibson in 1885 near Bundaberg, Queensland, was a significant local landmark, operating for over a century under Gibson and Howes family management before being acquired by Bundaberg Sugar in 1972. After surviving a major fire in 2014, the mill's operations ceased in 2020.