Teck Resources is investing $475 million in a mill modernization project at Highland Valley Copper and $210 million at its Trail Operations to significantly increase its capacity to recycle end-of-life electronic waste (e-waste). Both operations are in British Columbia.

The 40-year old mill at Highland Valley Copper will be modernized, and mill life will be extended to match expected mine life. The project is also expected to increase mill throughput by approximately 10% and copper recoveries by approximately 2%. Construction has begun, and the project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2013.

"We have significantly extended the life of the Highland Valley Copper mine in recent years, and the modernization of the mill makes sense, especially given the expected increases in throughput and copper recoveries," Teck President and CEO Don Lindsay said.

The No. 4 Furnace Project at Trail includes construction of a new slag fuming furnace and a settling furnace that will integrate into the existing lead smelting process. Construction of the project will begin in 2012.

"Last year we recycled just over 13,000 mt of e-waste at our Trail Operations, and this project will significantly increase our capacity to recycle end-of-life electronic components, helping to keep them out of landfills and allowing for the recovery and reuse of valuable metals," Lindsay said.