Québec City, August 18, 2022 – Following the release of an action plan by the Horne Smelter, a Glencore company, to ensure a significant decrease in its atmospheric emissions, the Québec Mining Association (QMA) commends the company on the effort made to hit the targets set by government. The company has made a clear commitment, and the investment announced reflects a firm intention to protect the health of the population in Rouyn-Noranda and meet the requirements of the upcoming depollution attestation.
Thanks to its modernization and upgrading projects, the Horne Smelter will be able to decrease its emissions by 85% over the next five years and achieve the targets set by the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques.
It is important to remember that Québec’s mining industry operates under a strict legislative and regulatory framework at both the provincial and federal levels. In addition, it is constantly striving to improve its environmental and social approach. Several key initiatives have been implemented to contribute to the collective effort to improve the environmental record, in particular by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving biodiversity, regenerating wastewater, restoring former tailings sites and mine sites, etc. Québec’s mining industry spares no effort to protect its workers, the general public and the environment.
QMA members must also join the ongoing improvement initiative Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM). This sustainable development program, which has gained worldwide recognition, helps mining companies manage the main environmental and social risks by applying best practices that go well beyond the legislative and regulatory requirements. It includes several protocols based on indicators to promote a transparent and effective dialogue with communities of interest and ensure that the main risks associated with mining are managed in a responsible way.
« We all recognize the strategic role played by the Horne Smelter, Canada’s only copper smelter, in particular as part of the value chains needed for the energy transition. We also recognize the importance of health issues for the population of Rouyn-Noranda. The plan proposed by Glencore supports these objectives, namely to operate the smelter while minimizing the impacts on public health and the environment. »
– Josée Méthot, QMA President and CEO
About the Québec Mining Association
The Québec Mining Association (QMA) was founded in 1936 and speaks proactively for mining companies involved in exploration, extraction and processing, mining contractors and junior mining companies, along with suppliers, institutions, non-profit organizations and other mining sector partners. It is proud of the 48,187 jobs and total expenditure of $11.7 billion generated by Québec’s mining industry in 2020. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.