Strike Hits Noranda Copper Smelter

Noranda Inc. announced that the unionized employees at the Horne copper smelter in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, went out on strike yesterday, June 18^th. On May 22, the workers had voted in favor of tactics up to and including a general strike at the smelter. The previous labor agreement expired on February 28, 2002.

The Horne smelter produced 188,000 metric tons of copper last year. The smelter is presently being operated at a reduced capacity. The company is also considering available options to further mitigate the impact on its suppliers, customers and operations.