In early last month, CRU’s Vice‑President of Sales – North America, Aaron Pollock, and Head of Polymetallic Assets, Joan Arratia, visited Teck Resources Limited’s Highland Valley Copper Operations in British Columbia. It was a long journey for both teams, but worth every mile.
Joan (second from right) and Aaron (far right) with Teck Resources Limited’s experts at the Highland Valley Copper site
Highland Valley Copper: Snapshot
Highland Valley Copper Mine is Canada’s largest copper mine, located near Logan Lake, British Columbia, about 17 km west of Logan Lake and 50 km southwest of Kamloops. Teck holds 100% ownership. The mine produces copper and molybdenum concentrates and in 2025 it is expected to have an average copper production of 125kt Cu and molybdenum production of 1.4kt Mo, based on Teck’s October 2025 Operational Review and Updated Guidance release.
The asset operates a processing circuit that includes autogenous and semi-autogenous grinding (AG/SAG) and flotation. Concentrates are exported overseas from the Vancouver port, with the majority sold under long-term sales contracts to smelters. The Mine Life Extension (MLE) project keeps Canada’s largest copper operation running to 2046, with significant upfront waste stripping and capex followed by steadier, higher-grade ore milled and steady production.
Final Product samples of Highland Valley Copper mine. Photo by Aaron Pollock/CRU
Experience and Insights from the Visit
The visit coincided with a historic day as Anglo American and Teck Resources shareholders voted in favour of the Anglo-Teck merger, underscoring the dynamic, transformational context in which our industry operates. Experiencing operations firsthand provided invaluable perspective and insights that help ensure our analysis remains grounded in the realities of the industry. The day also highlighted the substantial on-site capabilities and the scale of execution required to advance large-scale projects like the Mine Life Extension.
We observed a substantial amount of on-site infrastructure set-up and site mobilisation, including mobile equipment, pipeline relocations, earthworks, and modular offices, all supporting the Mine Life Extension (MLE) project that Teck's Board of Directors gave the go‑ahead in July 2025 and that construction commenced in August 2025. This level of on-the-ground readiness reinforces how capital programmes translate into steady production and long-term value for stakeholders. The estimated capital expenditure for the MLE project is at US$1.5 -1.7 billion with an average LOM production of 132kt Cu.
Together, we strengthened our relationship with Teck Resources Limited while gaining valuable insights and data that will enhance our Polymetallic Asset Services.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Teck Resources Limited team for their generous hospitality hosting our team. Their hospitality and willingness to share insights greatly enriched our understanding and perspective of Highland Valley Copper Mine and its contribution to the global copper mine supply production.
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