Climate change is a key global risk that is directly influenced by human activity and requires decisive action. At Teck, we recognize our responsibility to help address this global challenge by reducing emissions at our operations and in our value chain. We also commit to sustainably producing the critical minerals essential to build the technologies and infrastructure needed to transition to a low-carbon economy.
Here are some examples of how Teck is advancing towards achieving net-zero emissions.
Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage Plant Pilot
A Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) pilot project at our Trail Operations’ metallurgical complex in southern British Columbia is expected to begin operation in the second half of 2023. The pilot plant will capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from the acid plant flue gas at Trail Operations at a rate of three tonnes per day. The pilot project will also evaluate options for the utilization and/or storage of the captured CO2 at Trail Operations.
If successful, the project could be scaled up to an industrial CCUS plant with the potential to capture over 100,000 tonnes of CO2 per year at Trail Operations. It also provides us with a technical platform to assist our steelmaking coal customers to advance the use of CCUS to reduce the carbon intensity of their steel production.
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CCUS Pilot Plant at Trail Operations metallurgical complex |
Solar panels in Chile |
Sourcing Renewable Energy at Carmen de Andacollo and Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 (QB2) Project
We use renewable energy to produce copper at Carmen de Andacollo (CdA) in Chile. Over the next decade, our long-term agreement with AES Gener will provide CdA with 72 Megawatts (550 Gigawatts/year) of 100% renewable power from sources like wind, solar and hydroelectric energy. This transition from fossil fuels eliminates approximately 200,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually.
In 2022, we also finalized an agreement to source 100% clean, renewable energy for our flagship QB2 copper project in Chile, starting in 2025. The use of 100% renewable energy instead of energy from coal-fired generation will avoid a total of approximately 1.6 million tonnes of GHG emissions per year once implemented, positioning Teck as one of the first companies in the mining industry to achieve Net Zero Scope 2 emissions by 2025.
Partnering with Caterpillar to Advance Zero-Emissions Mining Haul Trucks
We’ve partnered with Caterpillar to work towards deploying 30 zero-emissions large haul trucks to our mining operations beginning in 2027. Elkview Operations, which produces steelmaking coal in British Columbia’s Elk Valley, is anticipated to be the first Teck location to receive these trucks. The operation is already powered by a 95% clean electricity grid, making it an ideal location to introduce one of Canada’s first zero-emissions large haul truck fleets. These electric Cat 794 ultra-class trucks will be a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions.
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CAT mining truck |
Concept for SAAM Towage ElectRA 2300SX tugs
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Deploying Electric Tugs at Neptune Terminal
In 2022 we announced an agreement with SAM Towage (SAAM) to deploy two electric tug boats at Neptune Terminal in Vancouver, British Columbia. This will mark the first electric tugs operating in Canada as a full tugboat package for harbour assist and tug services. Under the agreement, SAAM will furnish two ElectRA 2300 SX tugs commencing operation during the second half of 2023, which are expected to eliminate over 2,400 tonnes of GHG emissions each year. In addition to emissions reductions, using electric tugs will also reduce underwater noise, benefiting marine life in the harbour.
This initiative builds on our progress to work with partners to reduce emissions across our supply chain and achieve a 40% reduction in shipping emission intensity by 2030.
Learn more about Teck’s approach to taking action on Climate Change.
