A Tasmanian gold mining boss has issued a blistering message to the state government after being ordered to shut down operations over unpaid debts.

Hellyer Gold Mine was issued a cease work notice by the state's Resources Minister Felix Ellis earlier this week with $1 million in royalties still owing to the government.

The mine – which employs around 70 workers – has been accused of not meeting its financial obligations to the government, suppliers and contractors in the region.

However, owners claim its employees have been "unfairly punished".

Chief executive Graham Cox blasted the decision as "reckless, unncecessary and completely at odds with the state's claims of being open for business".

"This is an act of bureaucratic overreach that puts hardworking Tasmanians out of jo

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