Regional health officials in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, have raised concerns once again regarding arsenic emissions at the Horne Smelter, which is owned and operated by Glencore, a multinational company based in Switzerland. Glencore recently announced the suspension of a $300 million investment aimed at modernizing the plant to reduce pollution. The company cited its inability to meet the requirements of its current permit by March 2027, particularly the target of 15 nanograms of arsenic per cubic meter in ambient air, as the reason for halting the investment.
In response to this, the Quebec government introduced an amendment through Bill 11 to provide Glencore Canada with the regulatory predictability and timeframe it requested. This amendment would delay the deadline for reducing arsenic and other contaminant emissions to 2029-30, pushing back the smelter’s emissions target achievement by two years, which still remains significantly higher than the provincial norm.
Furthermore, the proposed framework would also extend the application of standards related to sulfur dioxide (SO2), daily values for fine particulate matter, and six metals including copper, nickel, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, and lead by 30 months. Despite Glencore reporting an annual average arsenic emission below the authorized limit in 2024, concerns remain regarding the potential health impacts on the local population.
Dr. Omobola Sobanjo, the head of the regional health department, expressed worries about the delays in meeting emission targets, emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals residing near the smelter, especially vulnerable groups like young children and unborn babies. She highlighted the potential neurodevelopmental impacts of arsenic emissions, noting that even levels below the target could pose risks.
Sobanjo also addressed the cancer risks associated with arsenic emissions, mentioning that the current levels could lead to one cancer case per 10,000 individuals, which is deemed unacceptable by international standards. She stressed the need to expedite efforts to reduce emissions to mitigate health risks and prevent long-term consequences on the community.
In addition to health concerns, delays in achieving emission targets could have social and psychological repercussions within the population and strain the relationship between the public, decision-makers, and the company. Sobanjo emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to address the complex issues at hand and find sustainable solutions for the benefit of all stakeholders.
The ongoing challenges at the Horne Smelter have also led to a class-action lawsuit authorized by a Quebec Superior Court judge in 2025, filed against Glencore and the provincial government by local residents. The plaintiffs allege environmental violations and disturbances caused by the smelter’s operations, holding the government responsible for inadequate oversight.
Despite Glencore’s assurances of safety, the situation remains contentious, with stakeholders advocating for prompt action to address environmental and health concerns. The Quebec Environment Ministry has defended the amendment as a necessary step to facilitate the smelter’s compliance with emission targets and ensure public safety.