Fonderie Horne: Legault says he is ready to guarantee ‘seven years of predictability’
Posted February 5, 2026 2:03 pm.
Last Updated February 5, 2026 2:59 pm.
Faced with uncertainty for jobs at the Fonderie Horne Rouyn-Noranda, the Quebec government says it is now ready, under certain conditions, to grant Glencore seven years of “regulatory predictability” to maintain jobs and promote regional economic development.
Quebec, however, sets as a condition that there be social acceptability, confirmed by the elected officials of Rouyn-Noranda.
Quebec is also asking the multinational Glencore to do its part by committing to maintain its investments in modernization and air quality improvement.
In a statement released Thursday, Premier François Legault, himself responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, said he was aware of the importance of the Horne Smelter to the region’s economy.
“We all share the same goal: to protect the many jobs associated with this, while ensuring the health of the population. We are prepared to take a significant step by granting the company seven years of predictability, but it must move forward with its investments. Municipal officials also have a responsibility to confirm the social acceptability of the foundry’s emission standard.”
He said he was ready to continue discussions with interested parties.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
