Glencore says Horne Smelter in Rouyn-Noranda, Que., is not closing despite rumours
CBC
Swiss multinational Glencore insists it is not looking to close the Horne Smelter in Rouyn-Noranda, Que., about 600 kilometres northwest of Montreal.
On Monday morning, the Reuters news agency reported that Glencore is considering closing the plant.
Reuters cited two anonymous sources in its story, which said the decision was related to the costs of bringing the plant into compliance with Quebec's environmental standards.
The plant, in operation for nearly a century, employs nearly 600 people and supports hundreds of indirect jobs.
Gilles Chapadeau, the new mayor of Rouyn-Noranda, who won the election by acclamation last month, said the smelter’s management team contacted him in recent weeks to ask about the cost of closing the plant.
"That doesn't necessarily mean they're going to close. It means we're planning for the costs in case they have to shut down," Chapadeau said.
"I am not in a state of panic this morning. My position has always been the same: Glencore must invest massively to reduce emissions and comply with environmental standards as quickly as possible."
The smelter has faced controversy in recent years over emissions.
In early October, the Quebec Superior Court authorized a class-action lawsuit brought by two Rouyn-Noranda residents against Glencore and the provincial government.
Plaintiffs Julie Fortier and Miguel Charlebois accuse the Horne Smelter of violating Quebec's environmental standards and causing neighbourhood disturbances. They also blame the provincial government for failing to adequately oversee the company's activities.
In a statement to the media, a Glencore spokesperson said the multinational currently has no plans to close the smelter.
“We continue to implement our emissions reduction plan by advancing studies and other work,” the statement reads.
“We are also working closely with all stakeholders to chart a course for preserving the current smelting operations of the Horne Smelter in Canada. This includes a clear and predictable regulatory framework necessary to ensure the appropriate investments.”
Smelters face enormous pressures worldwide, both financially and in terms of regulations and operations, the statement adds.
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