Glencore Canada suspends major investments in its Horne Smelter

The Horne Smelter in Rouyn-Noranda, owned by Glencore, photographed The Canadian Press/Stephane Blais

MONTREAL — Glencore Canada says it has suspended its $300 million investment tied to emissions reductions at its Horne Smelter in Rouyn-Noranda, Que.

The decision announced today raises questions about the future of the smelter in northwestern Quebec as well as its refinery in Montreal, as the smelter would not comply with provincial environment standards as of March 2027.

Glencore Canada wanted to obtain certain guarantees from the Quebec government regarding its environmental obligations before making the investment.

The company says in a statement that despite sustained negotiations, the conditions aren’t in place to allow the company to proceed.

Quebec may still reach an agreement with the company, but the delays would weaken the smelter and refinery, warned the United Steelworkers union, which represents the refinery’s 400 employees.

In a statement, Premier François Legault said his government has the dual objective of protecting jobs and the environment.

The smelter has come under fire in recent years for arsenic emissions.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 3, 2026.

Stéphane Rolland, The Canadian Press