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A strategic infrastructure at the heart of a unique value chain and an economic driver for Quebec.

Environment

Real progress driven by continuous action

  • Between 2022 and 2024, arsenic concentrations in ambient air decreased by 46.5% at the Horne legal monitoring station.

    In 2024, we met all our environmental targets, and 99% of the city’s urban perimeter was below 15 ng/m³.

    The data is clear: the further you are from the smelter, the faster concentrations drop. At 800 metres from the plant, the average concentration of arsenic in ambient air in 2024 was 7.8 ng/m³.
     

    See our latest environmental results

Critical metals

A vital support for Quebec’s future

  • Critical metals, including copper, are everywhere—from electric vehicles and batteries to hospitals, data centres, and clean technologies.

    They are essential to the energy transition and to innovation. Producing them here, as Horne Smelter does, means investing in our future.

    Meeting Quebec’s carbon neutrality target by 2050 also means responding to a significant increase in copper demand. Thanks to the Horne Smelter and the Canadian Copper Refinery (CCR), Quebec has an integrated and strategic value chain that transforms and recycles copper – helping to build a more autonomous, resilient, and circular economy.

    Learn more about copper

Economy

A driver of local and regional prosperity

  • Beyond its industrial role, Glencore’s copper value chain in Quebec generates concrete economic benefits.

    That represents 3,287 direct and indirect jobs supported, $848.1 million in added value in 2023, and redistribution across 16 regions of Quebec.

    From Rouyn-Noranda to Montréal-Est the Horne Smelter and CCR actively contribute to building  a strong, innovative, and sustainable Quebec economy. Creating shared value – while respecting communities, health, and the environment  – is our commitment.

    Learn more about Québec's copper industry

Economic autonomy

Transforming locally means investing in our future

  • The Horne Smelter is the last copper smelter in Canada.

    It transforms and recycles, right here, the critical metals that are at the heart of Quebec’s economy – today and tomorrow.

    In an uncertain global context, protecting the Horne Smelter means preserving our ability to produce and create long-term value for Quebec, while reducing our dependence on foreign markets and suppliers.

    Discover how we extend the life of metals essential to our future

Continuous improvement

Results that reflect the ongoing work of our teams

  • Continuous investment in our people, tools, and ways of working is deeply rooted in our culture.

    These concrete, measurable improvements are made possible by local expertise that is recognized internationally.

    In an industrial environment, every decision must be carefully considered to ensuring the safety of our teams, the stability of operations, and the respect of our commitments.

    With rigour and pride, the teams at the Horne Smelter carry this work forward, every day.

    Learn more about our projects and innovations