Teck Resources Limited announced today the first shipment of zinc and lead in concentrate from its restarted Pend Oreille Operations in northeastern Washington State to its nearby Trail Operations in British Columbia for processing.
"The restart of our Pend Oreille zinc mine was completed on time and under budget and allows us to grow our zinc production at a time when global supply is constrained," said Don Lindsay, President and CEO. "We are pleased to be operating again in Washington State and helping to support jobs and economic activity in the community, region and state."
Pend Oreille, operated by Teck Washington Incorporated, has an expected annual production rate of 44,000 tonnes of zinc in concentrate per year. The re-opening of the mine will bring an estimated $20 million of local investment during the start-up phase and supports approximately 230 jobs in Pend Oreille County.
Pend Oreille was previously operated by Teck between 2004 and 2009, when it was placed on care and maintenance due to unfavourable market conditions. Regulatory and environmental permits are in place and the mine facilities have been maintained since 2009 to support the restart.
Source: http://www.teck.com/