Horne acid plant up and running

The new $160-million sulphuric acid plant built by Noranda (TSE) at its Horne division custom copper smelter at Rouyn-Noranda, Que., was placed into operation in late December.

Constructed over a 2-year period, the state-of-the-art metallurgical plant will cut sulphur dioxide emissions from the Horne smelter by 50%. The plant will produce 350,000 tonnes of sulphuric acid per year, which Noranda plans to sell into the global market.

Plans are in the works by the company to undertake new technological initiatives to allow for a further 20% reduction of emissions by 1995. Noranda estimates this work will cost $16 million.