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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Dec. 14, 2012) – Teck Resources Limited (TSX: TCK.A and TCK.B, NYSE: TCK) (“Teck”) announced today that the Federal District Court for Eastern Washington has ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in Phase 1 of the Pakootas case. The court has issued a declaratory judgment that Teck Metals Ltd. (“TML”) is liable under CERCLA for response costs, the amount of which will be determined in the subsequent phase of the case. The subsequent hearing, with respect to claims for natural resource damages and costs, has not yet been scheduled and is expected to be deferred until the remedial investigation and feasibility study with respect to environmental conditions in the Upper Columbia River is substantially complete. That study, being undertaken by Teck American Incorporated (“TAI”) pursuant to a 2006 agreement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, is currently expected to be completed in 2015.
TAI continues to work the with Environmental Protection Agency, the State of Washington, local tribes and others on studies in the Upper Columbia River, which to date have generally shown that the water in the river system meets applicable water quality standards in both Canada and the United States, that the beaches are safe for recreational activities, and that the fish in the river system are as safe or safer to eat than fish in other water bodies in Washington State. TAI has commissioned a study by experts in natural resource damage assessment and on the basis of that study it estimates that the compensable value of any damage will not be material.
There can be no assurance that TML will ultimately be successful in its defense of the litigation, or that Teck or its affiliates will not be faced with further liability in relation to this matter. The studies described above may conclude, on the basis of risk, cost, technical feasibility or other grounds, that no remediation should be undertaken. If remediation is required and damage to resources found, the cost of remediation may be material. Until the studies and additional damage assessments are completed it is not possible to estimate the extent and cost, if any, of any remediation or restoration that may be required, or to fully assess TML’s potential liability for damages.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information as defined in the Securities Act (Ontario). Forward-looking statements include statements regarding estimates of compensable damage and future potential liability of TML, and estimated timing of completion of the remedial investigation and feasibility study with respect to the Upper Columbia River. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results to be materially different from any future result expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
These forward looking statements are based on certain assumptions. Factors that may cause actual results to vary include, but are not limited to, unanticipated results of future sampling and scientific analysis, difficulties in obtaining permits for future sampling programs or disagreements with regulatory authorities, unanticipated changes in law or appeals, reversals, or other developments in the litigation itself. Teck does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date of this document or to revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
About Teck
Teck is a diversified resource company committed to responsible mining and mineral development with major business units focused on copper, steelmaking coal, zinc and energy. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TCK.A and TCK.B and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TCK.
