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Noranda Inc. Web Site
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Noranda’s history began when a visionary prospector named Ed Horne decided that "good geology shouldn’t end at the Quebec border". Horne started searching for gold in the untrodden wilderness of western Quebec in the early 1900’s, taking several solitary trips into the region between 1912 and 1920. Although few of his contemporaries agreed with him, Horne was convinced that major gold stakes were to be found there.

In 1920, Horne rounded up a group of supporters in the back room of the Grand Union Hotel and hammered out an agreement. A handful of cheques was signed, totalling just $225. With this meagre amount in hand, Horne began yet another hopeful expedition into Quebec. His dogged determination was rewarded this time, and he staked 70 acres. The following year he returned, staking another 160 acres and bringing back samples.

In 1921, the group which put up the original $225 sold out to a syndicate of 12 residents of New Liskeard, Ontario, who developed the prospect. It turned out to be a supermine - the illustrious "Horne" - and Noranda was born. Incorporated in 1922, the Company’s name is a contraction of "Northern" and "Canada".

Following Horne’s example, Noranda went on to explore other areas that were just as isolated as Rouyn-Noranda: Manitouwadge in Ontario; Murdochville and Matagami in Quebec; and Granisle in B.C. Each eventually expanded into a full-fledged region in its own right.

Today, Noranda employs over 18,000 people in 20 countries. Assets were $11 billion at year end 1998. A Canadian-owned company, Noranda’s common shares (NOR) are listed on Canada’s major stock exchanges.