METALS & MINERALS

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.

Glencore Canada’s zinc and lead business in numbers (2022)

  • 1

    mining operation

  • 2

    metal processing plants

  • c. 1,700

    employees & contractors

  • 1

    office located in Montreal

The CEZinc Refinery in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec has been an integral part of the local community since 1963. CEZinc is the second largest zinc refinery in North America and the largest zinc processing facility in eastern North America, where the majority of zinc customers are located. The refinery produces refined zinc metal and various by-products from sourced zinc concentrates.

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.

CEZinc

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General Smelting of Canada

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Kidd Operations

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Facilitating a future low-carbon economy

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 5th 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.

Metallurgy in the Era of Energy and Digital Transition

Participants discussed the challenges and issues facing the industry in a context of rapid transformation.
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Leaving a legacy

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.

End of an Era at Matagami Mine

Employees give touching accounts of their time at Matagami Mine in the commemorative video above.
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Employees give touching accounts of their time at Matagami Mine in the commemorative video above.

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.

Exploration Takes Focus at Matagami

Partnership, investment and the deployment of pioneering technology renew vigour in exploration activities.
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