The Ministry of the Environment has opened a criminal investigation into the Horne smelter in Rouyn−Noranda because of copper particles that leaked from the smelter a few weeks ago.

Since March 7th, Glencore, owner of Horne Foundry, has been conducting copper dust “recovery” operations in the Notre-Dame area of ​​Rouyn-Noranda.

“The Department is inspecting and requiring concentrate recovery to be carried out throughout the affected area and is monitoring the recovery work being carried out by Glencore on a daily basis. This restoration work continues in the Notre-Dame district, including residential properties,” said Sophie Gauthier, regional spokeswoman for the environment ministry, on Wednesday.

Several citizens had shared photos of “black snow” on social networks on March 7 and in the days that followed.

On March 16, The Canadian Press noted that the snow on several properties in the Notre-Dame neighborhood was speckled with black particles.

Also on March 16, Glencore’s Manager of Communications and Community Relations, Cindy Caouette, commented on the situation during a press conference in front of the foundry: “As soon as we were informed that copper concentrate could be wind washed away, the teams were dispatched to the field and visually observed to try to delineate the sector, samples have been taken and we are currently collecting the snow where we find dust”.

But the Ministry of Environment, Combating Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP) said on Wednesday “that the company was notified of a violation in which on 13 pollutants within the meaning of Art. 20 of the Environmental Quality Act (EQS) and for failure to remediate the pollutants”.

A maximum fine of $6 million

In an interview with The Canadian Press, Regional Director of Environmental Control at MELCCFP, Annie Cassista, explained that the department “does the assessment, then the investigation, and then the goal is to send the dossier to the Director of Crime and Criminal Procedure.”

She explained that the law provides for a fine of up to $6 million for these types of crimes.

Two violations in the same day

The Environment Department said the Horne Smelter was fined $10,000 for another violation on March 7.

“There was leaching of mine tailings from the Noranda 5 Park in the Lac Pelletier sector,” said Annie Cassista.

A non-compliance notice was also issued against Glencore following this incident.