Glencore accused of discharging copper concentrate dust at Horne smelter

Aug 1, 2025 | 9:27 AM

ROUYN-NORANDA — Glencore’s Horne smelter is facing a charge under the province’s environmental laws for allegedly releasing copper concentrate dust in March 2023 at the Quebec facility.

Quebec’s Environment Department says in a statement the charge stems from an investigation it carried out after officials were called to the copper smelter northwest of Montreal on March 7, 2023.

At the time, several Rouyn-Noranda residents shared photos of what they described as “black snow” on social media and in the days that followed.

The company could face a minimum fine of $30,000.