en.Wedoany.com Reported - Glencore (LSE: GLEN) is seeking financial assistance from the Canadian federal government to modernize its copper processing facilities in Quebec, including the Horne smelter and the CCR refinery in Montreal. Company spokesperson Fabrice Dondo stated on Tuesday that an application has been submitted under Canada's C$5 billion (approximately US$3.6 billion) Strategic Response Fund, aiming to support the continued operation of these critical industrial assets.
Dondo told The Northern Miner via email: "We confirm that the application meets the program criteria and are now awaiting a clear statement from the federal government regarding support for the Horne smelter and the CCR refinery. Glencore Canada believes in the future of Quebec's copper processing value chain and is committed to ensuring its long-term viability." Last month, Glencore warned of a potential shutdown of the Horne facility due to a lack of agreement with the Quebec provincial government, suspending a nearly C$1 billion investment plan, of which C$300 million was allocated for emissions reduction.
The funding application covers all investments planned for the Horne and CCR refinery over the next five years, which Glencore describes as "assets critical to Canada's industrial sovereignty." Dondo emphasized: "Quebec has signaled its support for the sector; the federal government must do the same." The province recently passed proposed amendments, postponing the new arsenic emission limit of 15 nanograms per cubic meter for the Horne plant to 2029, and maintaining it at least until 2033, providing more time for compliance.
The Horne smelter, located in Rouyn-Noranda approximately 625 kilometers north of Montreal, is one of the few facilities in North America capable of processing copper concentrate and recycled materials such as electronic waste, making it a crucial part of the copper supply chain. Glencore's application comes at a time when Canada and other Western nations are seeking to reduce their dependence on imports from China. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the Strategic Response Fund in September, aiming to stimulate manufacturing investment and strengthen supply chains.
Although the Horne plant has faced criticism in Quebec due to pollution issues, with its arsenic emissions exceeding provincial standards, it benefits from a special agreement allowing an emission limit of 45 nanograms per cubic meter for the fiscal year ending in March, which is 15 times the provincial standard. In October, the Quebec Superior Court authorized residents to file a class-action lawsuit against Glencore and the provincial government, alleging harm from the emissions. The Horne and CCR refinery constitute Canada's only complete copper smelting and refining chain, producing approximately 210,000 tonnes of copper and precious metals annually. Unions have warned that if Horne closes, CCR could also cease operations.
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