Imerys Talc Luzenac France celebrates 120 years and reaffirms its commitment to a sustainable future

The world’s largest talc quarry serving 800 customers 

Located in the heart of the French Pyrenees, the Luzenac talc site is among Imerys’ oldest and largest industrial sites in Europe. The operation started life in the mid 18th century as a cottage industry, and the public limited company, Talc de Luzenac, was founded in 1905. Over the past 120 years, the Luzenac site has grown to become one of the biggest talc producers in Europe. Today, the site represents around 60% of Imerys’ European output, covering 10% of worldwide demand. Imerys acquired the operation in 2011.

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Set at 1,700 meters above sea level, the 350-hectare Trimouns deposit is the largest working open-pit talc quarry in the world. Talcs from Trimouns are renowned for their exceptional quality and mineralogical variety making them the material of choice in a wide range of industries, including plastics - which accounts for 50% of output - rubber, paints, cosmetics, ceramics, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals and pulp and paper production. The Luzenac facility uses advanced sorting and grinding technologies to transform the mineral into around 160 specialised talc grades. The plant serves over 800 customers worldwide.
 

Showcasing recent strides in sustainability

In addition to a series of celebratory events held for employees and their families and retirees, the operation organized several Open Days targeting local authorities and the wider local community.

In September, Imerys Management hosted a distinguished party of 70 local government officials - including the Prefect of Ariège, the local MP for Ariège, local mayors and representatives from regional and departmental councils. The day highlighted the Luzenac operation’s important Sustainability agenda. Following a guided tour of the processing plant, highlighting recent projects targeting water reductions, the party visited the quarry where, from strategic vantage points, they were able to witness firsthand the strides the site has made in recent years to manage water, improve its environmental impact and foster biodiversity. Guests were particularly interested in the site’s recent 2-year project to manage rainwater more effectively - measures which are already proving effective and will help secure the site’s long-term future.

The event concluded with a visit to Talcanéo - the talc museum set up by Imerys in conjunction with the Ariège Tourist Board to celebrate talc and its industrial history in Ariège.

Opening the doors to the public

Two further Open Days were also held in September to give the general public and local communities an insider view of the plant and quarry. Over 500 people signed up for the two events, organized in collaboration with SESTA (Service d'Exploitation des Sites Touristiques de l'Ariège).

The first gave 170 visitors a rare behind-the-scenes look at the Luzenac plant, which opened to the public for the very first time in its history as part of France’s annual National Heritage Days. The second gave 350 visitors a 2-hour up-close view of the impressive workings of Trimouns quarry. Both events drew visitors from well beyond the Ariège department. 

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A legacy built to last

Employing 300 people - including 80 seasonal workers, Imerys Talc Luzenac France is the 5th industrial employer in Ariège. Its presence is deeply embedded in both the local economy and the surrounding landscape.

Beyond honoring more than a century of industrial heritage, the anniversary has been a chance for Imerys to reaffirm its commitment to the Ariège region. The company continues to invest in initiatives that protect employee safety, reduce environmental impact, and advance its decarbonization journey. The milestone has also strengthened relationships with local partners and stakeholders, reinforcing a shared ambition to build a sustainable future together.