ROUYN-NORANDA, QC, Oct. 22, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Environmental Regeneration Zone (formerly known as the "Buffer Zone") is part of the Quebec Government's Action Plan to Support Rouyn-Noranda, unveiled in March 2023. Within this framework, the Horne Smelter is responsible, at its own expense, for the negotiated acquisition of properties, the dismantling of acquired buildings, and the development of the area, which it intends to transform into a green and naturalized space in collaboration with the community.
Based on its assigned responsibilities, the Horne Smelter has begun dismantling the residential buildings acquired in the Environmental Regeneration Zone. According to the current schedule, the work will continue until mid-December, subject to adjustments that may be required depending on site conditions. The dismantling process not only secures the acquired buildings but also allows for the gradual preparation of the land for the next phases of the project.
Only buildings owned by Glencore, vacant, and ready from a technical and regulatory standpoint will be dismantled. Residential buildings will not all be dismantled simultaneously. The work will proceed sector by sector.
"We have identified seven residential buildings available for the first phase of dismantling. Residents of the neighborhood were informed about the work during two door-to-door information campaigns. We also mailed 1,200 brochures explaining the nature of the work and the timeframe involved," explains Marie-Élise Viger, Director of Environment at the Horne Smelter.
During this work, truck traffic and the presence of machinery may be heavier at certain times. The work will take place on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
A Recovery Effort
Before dismantling, each building undergoes specific preparation, which may include:
- Removal of lightweight elements (doors, cabinets, light fixtures, etc.) for donation to interested organizations in the region;
- Inspection and characterization of materials;
- Removal of hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos), if necessary;
- Cleaning of certain surfaces, if necessary;
- Safe disconnection of water, electricity, and gas;
- Establishment of a safety perimeter;
- Planning of the dismantling method by specialists.
Depending on the project's needs, the following measures will be implemented to mitigate potential impacts during the work: demarcation of work areas, signage indicating traffic disruptions, no work between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., coordination with Hydro-Quebec, Énergir, and the City of Rouyn-Noranda to limit temporary service interruptions, and to water down the work zone.
Over 1,000 participants in Phase 2 of our consultation
The second phase of the consultation regarding the Environmental Regeneration Zone is now complete. We wish to thank everyone who took the time to meet with us at our Recycling Operation Day and/or to complete the survey to share their ideas, concerns, and aspirations for the future of this area, which is set to be transformed in the coming years.
Over the next few weeks, the responses will be analyzed and incorporated into the Environmental Regeneration Zone master plan. The results of this initiative, as well as the next steps of the project, will be shared on the project website and in our newsletter. To follow the project's progress, visit Environmental Regeneration Zone
Thank you again to everyone who contributed to this important initiative.
About the Horne Smelter
The Horne Smelter, part of Glencore Canada, is a metallurgical plant whose copper processing activities are recognized worldwide. It produces 210,000 tonnes of copper and precious metals annually. In addition to its recognized expertise in processing complex materials, the Horne Smelter plays a significant role in North America in the processing of valuable, recycled metal products. It employs over 650 people at its plant in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, and works with a number of contractors. All of its copper anode production is shipped to the CCR Refinery, also owned by Glencore Canada, located in Montreal East, where another 500 workers contribute to the North American copper and critical minerals value chain.
About Glencore in Canada
Glencore Canada Corporation is a leading natural resources company operating four mines and five metal processing facilities. It produces and recycles critical minerals, including nickel, copper, zinc, cobalt, and platinum group metals. Including the four steelmaking coal mines operated by Elk Valley Resources in British Columbia, Glencore PLC's affiliates and subsidiaries employ approximately 11,000 people across Canada.
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About Glencore plc
Glencore is one of the world's largest global diversified natural resource companies and a major producer and marketer of more than 60 commodities. Through a network of assets, customers and suppliers that spans the globe, we produce, process, recycle, source, market and distribute the commodities that advance everyday life.
With over 140,000 employees and contractors across its separate affiliated entities and a strong footprint in over 30 countries in both established and emerging regions for natural resources, our marketing and industrial activities are supported by a global network of offices.
Glencore's customers are industrial consumers, such as those in the automotive, steel, power generation, battery manufacturing and oil sectors. We also provide financing, logistics and other services to producers and consumers of commodities.
Important Information
This material does not purport to contain all of the information you may wish to consider. For further important information, including in connection with forward-looking statements and other cautionary information, refer to the Important notice section of Glencore's 2025 Annual Report, which is available at glencore.com/publications. This document does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for any securities.
Other Information
The companies in which Glencore plc directly and indirectly has an interest are separate and distinct legal entities. In this document, "Glencore," "Glencore group" and "Group" are used for convenience only where references are made to Glencore plc and its subsidiaries in general. These collective expressions are used for ease of reference only and do not imply any other relationship between the companies. Likewise, the words "we," "us" and "our" are also used to refer collectively to members of the Group or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.
SOURCE Glencore Canada Corporation
Media Contact: Francis Beauvais, Director of Communications, Public Affairs and Community Relations, Horne Smelter [email protected]
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