Teck Trail Operations Long-Term Business Strategies

Trail Operations has survived for over 100 years through continuous efficiency improvements and process innovations. However, in 2008, Trail Operations lost some competitive advantage when one third of the power generating capability from its Waneta Dam was sold to BC Hydro. Trail Operations will be facing a further challenge in about six years time when the stockpile of its other substantial profit generator, the Zinc Residues, is depleted. To counter the combined effects of these financial predicaments in the long-term, several strategies have been considered. The strategy that provided the highest degree of confidence involves the installation of another Slag Fuming Furnace in tandem with a Settling Furnace. This project will open doors for Trail Operations to become “greener” through the enhanced recycling of electronic scraps/wastes and other recyclable materials. This new furnace will also provide steam for conversion into “clean” power as part of the proposed Biomass Power Generation project.