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HORNE SMELTER

Decommissioning of Inactive Infrastructures

The Horne Smelter is launching a project to decommission structures that have been unused for several decades. This initiative represents an important milestone in the site’s evolution and reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining facilities that are safe, compliant, and aligned with current operational realities.

The work will be carried out in several phases over a period of several months by qualified specialists. Each phase of the project will be strictly managed in accordance with the highest standards for health, safety, and environmental protection.

Key Phases of the Project

Phase 1 (Red)

  • November 2025: Removal of conveyors formerly used to transport concentrate

  • February to March 2026: Decommissioning of Electrostatic Precipitator No. 3 (ESP3)

Phase 2 (Blue)

  • 2026–2027: Decommissioning of the roasters, which were taken out of service between 1973 and 1986. Further details to come.

Control Measures

Health and safety are our top priority. The buildings involved contain asbestos-containing materials, as was common at the time they were constructed. For this reason, the work will be carried out under strict supervision, in compliance with the highest standards for health, safety, and environmental protection.

  • Secured and restricted work areas

  • Decontamination zones and strict containment procedures

  • Presence of a specialized demolition contractor

  • Close collaboration with the CNESST

  • Collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment to protect the peregrine falcon

  • Use of dust suppression systems

  • Monitoring of dust emissions, noise, and vibrations

What is the history of the decommissioned facilities?

Preserving Memory and Heritage

We recognize that these buildings are part of the Horne Smelter’s history and hold an important place in the collective memory of Rouyn-Noranda. Their decommissioning does not mean forgetting what they represent.

We are currently exploring different ways to preserve the memory and heritage associated with these buildings, without retaining the structures themselves. This initiative aims to highlight their role in the evolution of the Smelter and the community, while taking current safety requirements into account.

Want to contribute?
Do you have photos, memories, or stories related to the buildings being decommissioned? Do you have ideas for how we could pay tribute to these sites that have shaped the history of the Horne Smelter?

We invite citizens to share their ideas, stories, or documents with us at: info.communaute@glencore.ca

Frequently asked questions

This building, which has been unused for several decades, now presents potential structural safety risks. Decommissioning it now is a responsible action that helps prevent incidents. This decision reflects our commitment to providing a safe working environment for our employees and contractors.

The work will take place in several stages over a period of several months, supervised by specialists. Once decontamination is complete and the area is secured, our contractor will carry out the work using a controlled mass demolition method. Strict measures will be in place to minimize impacts on the community, such as dust, noise, and vibrations.

In the short term, the freed-up space will be secured. In the longer term, discussions will take place regarding the future use of this area.

The decommissioning work is being carried out by specialized teams with extensive experience in managing industrial projects. The selected contractor has the expertise required to ensure the safety of workers and the site, while complying with environmental standards and best practices in demolition.

This collaboration allows the project to be executed in a planned and safe manner, while minimizing disruptions for the community and the smelter’s operations.

  • More information

    Do you have any concerns or would you like mor information? 
    Contact our Comminity Relations Office
    19-762-7764, ext. 2002
    Mail

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