Name of the Project
Highland Valley Copper (HVC) mine life extension project (MLE).

Location
British Columbia, Canada.

Project Owner/s
Diversified natural resources company Teck Resources.

Project Description
The project comprises upgrades and increased capacity requirements for the mine life extension and a mine pushback that requires additional waste-stripping to access high-quality ore within the Valley pit. Average copper production is estimated at 132 000 t/y over the life-of-mine, which is expected to be extended until to 2046.

The production profile at HVC is divided into three phases. 

Phase 1– mining the current Valley and Lornex pits (2025 to 2027): This phase is expected to have higher-grade material as an increasing proportion of ore from the Lornex pit is mined. Phase 2 – transitioning through satellite orebodies (Bethlehem and Highmont) and lower-grade Valley ore while completing the next Valley pit pushback (2028 to 2033): During this phase, grade will decrease while the pushback and increased waste-stripping of the Valley pit takes place. 

The average total tonnes mined will increase to about 200-million tonnes.

Phase 3 – Valley pit becomes the dominant ore source and is a long-term source of high-quality ore (2034 to 2046): During this phase, the high-quality Valley pit ore is mined with improved grades. Total tonnes mined will reduce to about 100-million tonnes on average, with a gradual reduction to 2038, and minimal waste tonnes mined from 2039 to the end of the mine life.

Although the yearly ore throughput rate will be variable, owing to ore hardness, the long-term ore tonnes mined will remain consistent at an estimated 50-million tonnes a year throughout the life-of-mine. However, total material moved will increase, starting with Phase 1, which requires additional waste stripping.

Potential Job Creation
HVC MLE is expected to create an estimated 2 900 jobs during the construction phase of the project. After construction, HVC’s ongoing operations will support an estimated 1 500 direct jobs and generate an estimated $500-million in yearly GDP.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
Between $2.1-billion to $2.4-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
The capital investment will be made from the second half of 2025 to 2028.

Latest Developments
The environmental assessment certificate and required permits for HVC MLE were issued in June 2025, allowing for construction to proceed.

Additional technical and engineering work has been completed ahead of sanctioning to optimise the project.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Not disclosed.

Contact Details for Project Information
Teck Resources, tel +1 604 699 4000.