Teck Resources has announced it will halt all major growth projects until its flagship Quebrada Blanca (QB) copper operation in Chile achieves consistent output and meets ramp-up targets. 

The decision comes after Teck launched a comprehensive operational review in August, aimed at boosting performance at QB with an action plan, pinpointing ways to improve operating practices and reinforcing confidence in the company’s ability to deliver on future plans. 

The QB operation has long faced production constraints due to slow sand drainage at its tailings management facility, causing delays in the project’s ramp-up. 

“Teck’s near-term priority is to enable unconstrained production,” the company stated in a Sept. 2 press release. 

To address the operation’s challenges, Teck is rolling out a multi-pronged action plan, targeting steps to enable ramp-up. Measures include mechanically raising the tailings dam wall and increasing crest height, modifying cyclone facilities to enhance the removal of fines and ultra-fines, trialing coarser grind sizes in the mills and refining sand placement techniques to accelerate drainage. 

In addition, the company has appointed Daniel Malchuk, a former senior operation executive at BHP as the special advisor to CEO Jonathan Price to help speed up the development of the tailings facility and improve site performance. 

Teck said it is also focused on strengthening operational readiness across QB. Efforts include validating an executable mine plan, optimizing performance at the mine, plant and port, and enhancing planning, forecasting and reconciliation processes. 

The comprehensive review, which will incorporate input from third-party experts, is expected to conclude by October, with updated guidance to be released alongside Teck’s third-quarter results. 

Despite the halt at QB, Teck said in an email statement to CIM Magazine that it’s Highland Valley Copper in south-central B.C. will not be affected. A spokesperson for Teck said, “Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension Project was approved for construction in July, and construction is proceeding as announced.”