Canadian miner Teck Resources’ Trail Operations, in southern British Columbia, has become the first standalone zinc processing site globally to receive the Zinc Mark.

This was achieved using the Copper Mark’s multi-metals approach and assurance framework.

To achieve the Zinc Mark, Teck’s Trail Operations was assessed and independently verified against 32 responsible production criteria including greenhouse-gas emissions, community health and safety, respect for Indigenous rights and business integrity.

“Zinc has a crucial role to play in global efforts to decarbonise as its primary use in galvanising steel extends the life of essential infrastructure and clean tech like renewable power and electric vehicles,” said Teck CEO Jonathan Price.

“It is important to produce zinc sustainably and responsibly, and we’re proud that Trail Operations has been awarded the Zinc Mark.”

The Copper Mark multi-metals approach includes the Zinc Mark, as well as Molybdenum Mark and Nickel Mark. Producers of these metals are able to use the Copper Mark assurance framework to achieve their respective “Mark”. The Copper Mark assurance framework aims to promote responsible production practices and demonstrate the industry commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“We’re delighted that Teck has become the first standalone zinc processing site to receive the Zinc Mark. The Copper Mark’s multi-metals approach was developed with the ambition of making more responsibly sourced zinc, molybdenum and nickel available to society. Today’s award testifies to Teck’s commitment to this vision. We are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with Teck to promote sustainable and responsible practices across the zinc value chain,” said executive director of the Copper Mark, Michèle Brülhart.

“Since its inception less than six months ago, the Zinc Mark has realised clear routes for industry to demonstrate responsibility under a single ESG framework. We applaud Teck for achieving the Zinc Mark, which helps enable responsible sourcing of raw materials used in the green transition,” added International Zinc Association executive director Andrew Green.

Teck is one of the world’s biggest producers of mined zinc, and Teck’s Trail Operations is one of the world’s largest fully integrated zinc and lead smelting and refining facilities.