[8] Similar to EZ Industries' Risdon zinc smelter at Lutana and Cadbury's Claremont, ANM was motivated to establish its factory along the River Derwent due to the availability of affordable hydro electricity.

Following the high worker standards set by Cadbury in the region, ANM built a model village for its 175 employees, which included housing, a pool, tennis courts, meeting hall and football oval.

However, the workforce was gradually decreased by mechanisation and outsourcing out labour, and the Maydena neighbourhood was added to the Southwest National Park, which precluded further growth.

The mill plays a significant role in the Australian market, with annual production accounting for approximately 40% of the country's newsprint and related paper grades consumption.

[14][15] In March 2023, Norske Skog began sourcing coal from interstate, supplied by Yancoal from sites in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.

The company is in discussions with Hydro Tasmania and the State Government to explore the possibility of near doubling their power consumption through the delivery of a further 50 megawatts (67,000 hp) to the Boyer Mill per annum.

Pollution linked to the Boyer Mill stems from different phases of the paper production process, encompassing pulping, bleaching, and wastewater treatment.

Released during combustion, particulate matter consists of fine particles and gases including resin acid, sulfur compounds and nitrogen oxides.

The mill releases wastewater in the form of sludge and wood residues that contain various pollutants, including organic matter, suspended solids, and chemical substances such as lignin used in the paper-making process.

The smelter's discharging of methylmercury (mercury) and other toxic heavy metals into the Derwent estuary greatly contributed in creating one of the most polluted river systems in the world by the close of the 1970s.

[28] Studies in 2009, 2012 and 2020 have concluded that heavy metal contaminants, including cadmium, lead, zinc and mercury, risk being disturbed by the New Bridgewater Bridge construction project.

[29] Historically, Tasmania has faced significant deforestation and forest degradation due to various industries, including logging for timber and paper production.

Exposure to air pollutants, including particulate matter and VOCs, can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and other health complications.