The agreement increases contracted capacity from 3 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 6 Mtpa with an option for Teck to extend up to 9 Mtpa from Neptune Terminals.
During a rally in New Hampshire, the former vice-president said that computer skills would enable displaced mine workers to access the jobs of the future.
The method makes use of a process called shock electrodialysis and it could help improve the economics and environmental impact of nuclear power plants.