Zinc and Lead

Our zinc and lead assets in Canada consist of CEZinc, General Smelting of Canada and Kidd Operations, which share a common history given they were all founded by Noranda Mines Limited.

The CEZinc Refinery in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec is the second largest zinc refinery in North America and has been an integral part of the local community since 1963. Glencore Canada manages the facility and has a 25% ownership in the plant through a stake in the Noranda Income Fund.

Founded in 1955, General Smelting of Canada is one of North America’s most established manufacturers of lead alloy anodes for electrowinning, chrome plating and pickling processes along with offering lead construction and maintenance services for electrostatic precipitators and acid plant equipment on a worldwide basis. The plant is based in Lachine, Quebec and employs around 50 people.

Our Kidd Operations in Timmins, Ontario produces zinc and copper concentrates from Kidd Concentrator and the Kidd Mine, the world’s deepest base metal mine below sea level.

We are acutely aware of our Purpose to responsibly source the commodities that advance everyday life. And given the critical nature of the metals we produce to facilitate the energy transition, we know we must be active participants in the conversation as we forge into the future of a low-carbon economy.

Most recently, in November 2022, leaders in our zinc and copper businesses participated in the 5^th edition of the General Status of Metallurgy. The event brought together several speakers and panelists who reflected on the energy shift and discussed the numerous challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

The reality of a mining operation is that they do not last forever, so we are proud to leave behind a positive legacy wherever we operate. As an example, our Matagami Mine closed in June 2022, bringing an end to an era that began in 1963. A farewell celebration was in order, so town residents and employees were invited to come together to celebrate a making of history in Matagami.

Despite the mine's closure, we stepped up efforts to find a solid partner to relaunch mining exploration at the camp in 2022. The investment, as well as the deployment of pioneering technology, have renewed vigour in exploration activities at the camp.