Glencore CEZinc

Location: Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC, Canada
Commodity: Zinc
Project Phases: Detailed Design Engineering / Construction Execution

Client Overview

Glencore is one of the world’s leading diversified natural resource companies, with operations across metals, minerals, and energy products. At its CEZinc facility in Valleyfield, Quebec, Glencore initiated a major modernization program to extend the operational life of the zinc smelter. The project involved replacing 204 aging electrolytic cells and four overhead anode and cathode cranes to improve reliability, safety, and efficiency.

Client Needs

Glencore required experienced execution support to manage a complex, large-scale facility upgrade while maintaining production continuity. The project demanded:

• Oversight of detailed engineering and construction execution.
• Governance of procurement and contract management for critical equipment and services.
• Robust project controls to maintain schedule and budget alignment.
• Shutdown planning and coordination to minimize downtime during facility transition.
• Comprehensive document management and risk oversight to ensure quality and safety compliance.

TMG Contributions

• Feasibility Study and Funding Approvals: Supported development and gating of the feasibility study, contributing to project funding documentation and approvals.
• Project Management and Governance: Provided oversight of planning and execution processes, aligning technical, cost, and schedule goals with Glencore’s corporate standards.
• Engineering Management: Directed detailed design engineering efforts and ensured seamless integration of engineering outputs into construction execution.
• Field Engineering and Quality Assurance: Delivered on-site support to maintain construction quality and adherence to design specifications.
• Project Controls and Shutdown Planning: Implemented cost control, scheduling, and document control systems to support project execution and a critical 45‑day plant‑wide shutdown in September 2024.
• Procurement and Contract Management: Managed sourcing and contract execution for equipment and services, ensuring timely delivery, competitive pricing, and adherence to Glencore’s quality expectations.

Results

The CEZinc Electrolytic Cells & Crane Replacement project, managed by Glencore with TMG support, achieved key milestones:

• On-Time and On-Budget Performance: The project remains on track for completion by the end of 2025, aligned with the allocated CAD $135 million budget. The replacement of 204 electrolytic cells was completed five days ahead of schedule.
• Improved Project Governance: CAPEX-specific templates and document control systems developed by TMG are now serving as a model for future Glencore projects.
• Strategic Shutdown Execution: Coordinated procurement and engineering activities enabled an efficient and well-managed 45‑day facility shutdown.
• Commissioning Preparedness: TMG’s planning and controls laid the foundation for a seamless integration and commissioning phase post‑construction.

The CEZinc Electrolytic Cells & Crane Replacement Project demonstrates Glencore’s commitment to maintaining operational excellence and extending asset life through targeted modernization efforts. TMG’s expertise in execution readiness, project controls, and shutdown management was instrumental in delivering cost‑effective and timely results for this critical facility upgrade.