en.Wedoany.com Reported - Glencore has submitted an application to Canada's Strategic Response Fund, which totals CAD 5 billion (approximately USD 3.6 billion), seeking federal government financial support for the modernization of its Horne Smelter and CCR Refinery in Quebec over the next five years. The application covers the entire investment plan, encompassing emission reduction projects, equipment upgrades, and operational improvements.

Prior to this, Glencore had suspended approximately CAD 1 billion (about USD 730 million) in investments for its Quebec copper operations, including roughly CAD 300 million (about USD 220 million) originally earmarked specifically for emission reduction facility construction, after failing to reach an agreement with the Quebec provincial government on a support package.

The Horne Smelter, located in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, is one of the few smelting facilities in North America capable of processing both copper concentrates and secondary raw materials such as electronic waste. Together with the CCR Refinery, it forms Canada's only complete copper smelting and refining chain, producing approximately 210,000 tonnes of copper and precious metal products annually, occupying a critical position in the copper supply chain of Canada and North America.

Meanwhile, the Quebec provincial government is advancing amendments to environmental regulations, proposing to extend the deadline for the Horne Smelter to meet stricter arsenic emission standards from 2027 to 2029, allowing the company more time for compliance. Glencore is currently awaiting a final decision from the Canadian federal government regarding the funding support.