Teck Resources committed the first mine in what it says will be a portfolio-wide effort to the Copper Mark responsible production initiative.
The operator said, in its dedication to the voluntary framework, it has first signed up Highland Copper outside of Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. It now plans to verify each of its copper operations.
To achieve the Copper Mark distinction, Highland Valley will be assessed and independently verified against 32 responsible production criteria this year.
Teck’s Carmen de Andacollo operations and its QB2 project, all in Chile, the latter of which is expected to begin production in the second half of next year, will begin the Copper Mark assurance process in 2023.
“Copper is critical for the transition to a low-carbon economy and we have outlined near-term plans and future opportunities for significant copper production growth in the years ahead, and we are focused on being a responsible producer of this essential metal,” said Teck President and CEO Don Lindsay.
“Our participation in the Copper Mark is another way we’re enhancing transparency and ensuring customers have the information they need on our performance as a responsible copper producer.”
Highland Valley, also known as HVC, is 100% owned by Teck. It produces both copper and molybdenum concentrates through autogenous and semi-autogenous grinding and flotation. Once processed, concentrates are exported overseas, where most is sold under long-term sales contracts with smelters.
Copper production in 2021 is anticipated to be between 128,000 and 133,000 metric tons. Annual copper production from 2022 to 2024 is expected to be 135,000 and 165,000 tpy.
Source: Teck Resources