(MERAF) for the Base Metals Smelting Sector - CCME

for the CEPA-toxics, Particulate Matter (PM) and Sulphur Dioxide (SO 2 ) and to
assess releases to air on a site-specific basis for each parameter for the most
recent (1998) data. Potential release reduction options were analyzed and future
releases were predicted (2008 and beyond).
In its report 20 on the releases from Base Metals Smelters, Hatch Associates
conducted an analysis to identify where further reductions could be made in
releases by the application of technically feasible methods. Two time periods
were chosen for the analysis: By 2008 and Beyond 2008. These dates
correspond to the dates specified in Recommendation #1 of the Strategic
Options Report dealing with Release Reduction Targets and Schedules.
However, for the purposes of this report, the “Beyond 2008” option is given a
finite time frame of “By 2015”.
In complement to the information found in the Hatch Associates Reports,
information from organizations such as Natural Resources Canada, the Mining
Association of Canada, individual company websites, etc. was used to conduct
this Analysis Foundation.
While reading this report, it is important to keep in mind the main assumptions
that support the facts and figures presented. It is assumed that:
• the current facility capacities will remain unchanged;
• no new facilities will be opened between now and 2015;
• no existing facilities will be closed between now and 2015;
• no new major players will join or leave the market between now and
2015.
These assumptions may not reveal to be correct thirteen years from now.
Hence, the possibility of new facilities at Voisey’s Bay or somewhere else does
exist; however, this possibility is not considered for the purpose of this report
because of inherent uncertainties and because such a new facility would likely
have very low emissions and contribute a small fraction of the sector’s releases.
Also, on March 28, 2002, Noranda Inc. announced that, effective April 30, 2002,
it permanently closed its Gaspé copper smelter, located in Murdochville.
Noranda had previously announced on November 30, 2001, that it would
temporarily close the smelter for only a six month period 21 .
Finally, it should be noted that the industry is in a period of global consolidation.
20 Hatch Associates, Review of Environmental Releases for the Base Metals Smelting Sector,
prepared for Environment Canada, dated November 2000.
21 Noranda Inc. Press Release, March 28, 2002. URL: http://www.noranda.ca/
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