Teck Resources Limited announced that the Zinc Mark has been given to Teck’s Trail Operations.
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Teck’s Trail Operations is the world’s first stand-alone zinc processing operation to be awarded the Zinc Mark. This was accomplished through the use of Copper Mark’s multi-metals strategy and assurance framework.
To receive the Zinc Mark, 32 responsible production criteria, including greenhouse gas emissions, community health and safety, respect for Indigenous rights, and company integrity, were evaluated and independently confirmed by Teck’s Trail Operations.
Zinc has a crucial role to play in global efforts to decarbonize as its primary use in galvanizing steel extends the life of essential infrastructure and clean tech like renewable power and electric vehicles. It is important to produce zinc sustainably and responsibly, and we’re proud that Trail Operations has been awarded the Zinc Mark.
Jonathan Price, Chief Executive Officer, Teck Resources Limited
Zinc, Molybdenum, Nickel, and Zinc are all part of the Copper Mark multi-metals strategy. The Copper Mark assurance framework can be used by these metals’ producers to achieve their specific “Mark.”
The Copper Mark assurance framework strives to advance ethical manufacturing techniques and show the industry’s dedication to Sustainable Development Goals.
We are delighted that Teck has become the first stand-alone 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.
Michèle Brülhart, Executive Director, Copper Mark
Andrew Green, International Zinc Association Executive Director, added, “Since its inception less than six months ago the Zinc Mark has realized 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.”
A long-term sustainability strategy that outlines targets for Health and Safety, Climate Change, Responsive Production, Our People, Water, Tailings Management, Communities and Indigenous Peoples, and Biodiversity and Reclamation serves as the foundation for Teck’s approach to managing its operations sustainably.
The largest fully integrated zinc and lead smelting and refining facility in the world is Teck’s Trail Operations, which is also one of the largest producers of mined zinc globally.
According to a recent report, Teck’s Trail Operations’ product has a very low carbon intensity. One of the biggest zinc mines in the world, Teck’s Red Dog Operations is also the largest critical mineral operation in the USA.
The Highland Valley Copper Operations of Teck achieved Canada’s First Copper Mark Verification in 2022, which was followed by this verification by Trail Operations.