Teck partially shuts British Columbia zinc plant due to fire

Trail Operations is one of the world’s largest fully integrated zinc and lead smelting and refining complexes. (Image courtesy of Teck Resources.)

Teck Resources (TSX: TECK.A, TECK.B; NYSE: TECK) has shut down part of the electrolytic zinc plant at its Trail Operations in British Columbia following what it calls a “localized fire” earlier this week.

The fire, which occurred on Sept. 24, impacted one of the four sections of the zinc facility. The remaining three sections were unaffected and continue to produce zinc, lead, plus other specialty minerals, Teck said in a news release.

There are no injuries reported and no expected environmental impacts as a result of the fire, the diversified miner added. An investigation into its cause is now underway.

The Trail Operations represent one one of the world’s largest fully integrated zinc and lead smelting and refining complexes. Last year, it produced over 266,000 tonnes of refined zinc, and its output is set to increase in 2024 as a result of improved concentrate availability.

The metallurgical operation is also known for its low carbon intensity, powered by the Waneta Dam on the Pend d’Oreille River.

In June 2023, it became the first standalone zinc processing site globally to receive the Zinc Mark distinction for its responsible production practices.