Glencore May Shut Down Canada’s Largest Copper Smelter Amid Mounting Environmental Costs

Glencore is reportedly planning to close its Horne smelter in Quebec, Canada’s largest copper metal-producing facility, due to escalating environmental concerns and the high cost of modernization estimated at over $200 million, according to two industry sources. The London-listed miner, which also operates the Canadian Copper Refinery (CCR), employs more than 1,000 workers across both sites. However, Glencore has denied immediate closure plans, stating that both Horne and CCR remain integral to North American supply chains for critical raw materials.

The potential shutdown could worsen global copper shortages already strained by supply disruptions in Indonesia and Chile. Analysts estimate Horne’s annual output at over 300,000 metric tons, meaning its closure could significantly impact global supply and pricing. Copper prices have surged to record highs of $11,200 per ton, driven by growing expectations of supply deficits in the coming years.

The smelter, operational since 1927, is also facing a class-action lawsuit in Quebec’s Superior Court over arsenic emissions, with residents seeking damages dating back to 2020. Glencore emphasized that the case is unrelated to closure discussions, attributing the review to the financial and regulatory pressures facing smelters globally. The company maintains that it continues to implement emission-reduction measures and engage with stakeholders to sustain operations within a clear regulatory framework.

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