Vancouver-based Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TCK.B) today announced plans to invest $210 million at its Trail operation and $475 million in a mill modernization project at its Highland Valley copper mill.
Don Lindsay, president and CEO of Teck, said “These projects will improve the long-term viability of two of our key operations.”
The Trail operation is the world’s largest zinc and lead smelting and refining complex and has been operating for more than a century.
Teck plans to build new furnaces to increase recycling capabilities. Construction is scheduled to begin next year and be completed by 2014.
“Last year we recycled just over 13,000 tonnes of electronic waste at our Trail operations, and this project will significantly increase our capacity to recycle end-of-life electronic components, helping to keep them out of landfills and allowing for the recovery and reuse of valuable metals,” said Lindsay.
The 40-year-old mill at Highland Valley is to be modernized, extending its life to match the expected life of the mine, which Teck projects will extend to 2025.
“We have significantly extended the life of the Highland Valley copper mine in recent years,” said Lindsay, "and the modernization of the mill makes sense, especially given the expected increases in throughput and copper recoveries."
Jennifer Harrison
Twitter: JHarrisonBIV