Teck Resources Limited (TSX: TECK.A and TECK.B, NYSE: TECK)
(“Teck”) today provided select unaudited fourth quarter 2024
production and sales volumes, annual production volumes for 2024,
as well as operational and capital guidance for 2025 and production
guidance for 2026 to 2028.
Our fourth quarter 2024 financial results are scheduled for
release on February 20, 2025.
Overview of 2024
Teck underwent a significant portfolio transformation in 2024,
repositioning itself as a pure-play energy transition metals
business focused on Copper and Zinc.
During 2024, we completed the sale of 23% of the steelmaking
coal business, EVR, to Nippon Steel Corporation and POSCO for
upfront proceeds of US$1.3 billion and the remaining 77% of EVR to
Glencore for proceeds of US$7.3 billion. Upon closing of the
transactions, we announced our intention to allocate the
transaction proceeds consistent with our Capital Allocation
Framework. This included total cash returns to shareholders of $3.5
billion, a debt reduction program of up to $2.75 billion,
approximately $1.0 billion for final taxes and transaction costs
and cash retained for our value accretive copper projects. Given
the completion of the sale of EVR on July 11, 2024, we have removed
steelmaking coal business unit information from our 2024 production
results in this guidance update.
In 2024, we executed $1.25 billion of our authorized share
buyback program of $3.25 billion. We also reduced our debt by
US$1.6 billion through a bond tender offer for our public notes in
July and other debt repayments in the second half of 2024.
We continued to advance our value accretive copper growth
strategy, reinforcing our commitment to long-term value creation
through a balanced approach of growth investments and shareholder
returns. We have a pathway to grow copper production to
approximately 800,000 tonnes per year before the end of the decade,
with planned attributable post-sanction project capital
expenditures of between US$3.2 to $3.9 billion to develop four key
near-term copper projects:
- Quebrada Blanca (QB) optimization and debottlenecking
(Teck 60% owner, Chile) – low capital intensity option to
potentially increase throughput at QB by a further 15-25%
(US$100-200 million estimated attributable capital cost).
- Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension
(Teck 100% owner, Canada) – lower complexity
brownfield project extending the life of Canada’s largest copper
mine to mid-2040s. Estimated life-of-mine copper production of
137,000 tonnes per annum post-2024 (US$1.3-1.4 billion estimated
attributable capital).
- Zafranal Project (Teck 80% owner, Peru) – long
life, competitive capital cost and lower complexity copper-gold
project, SEIA approval received and positioned for a potential
sanction decision in H2 2025. Estimated copper production of
126,000 tonnes per annum over the first five years with substantial
gold by-product credits (US$1.5-1.8 billion estimated attributable
capital).
- San Nicolás Project (Teck 50% owner,
Mexico) – low capital intensity, lower complexity
copper-zinc project in well-established mining jurisdiction in
partnership with Agnico Eagle Mines. Estimated production (on 100%
basis) of 63,000 tonnes per annum of copper and 147,000 tonnes per
annum of zinc in the first five years. Feasibility study and
execution strategy are progressing towards a potential sanction
decision in H2 2025 (Teck estimated funding requirement US$0.3-0.5
billion).
2024 Production Results
The table below shows a summary of Teck’s share of unaudited
production and sales of principal products for the fourth quarter
of 2024, and 2024 annual production as compared to our previously
disclosed guidance as of October 23, 2024.
2024 annual copper production of 446,000 tonnes increased by 50%
compared to the prior year primarily due to the ramp-up of QB,
which achieved design throughput rates by the end of the year.
Record quarterly copper production of 122,100 tonnes in Q4,
increased by 19% compared to the same period in 2023, with QB
contributing 60,700 tonnes. Copper sales volumes from QB of 66,400
tonnes were higher than production volumes in the fourth quarter as
inventory levels decreased.
2024 annual zinc in concentrate production of 615,900 tonnes
decreased by 4% compared to the prior year, as anticipated in our
mine plan, primarily due to a higher proportion of copper-only ore
relative to copper-zinc ore at Antamina. This was largely offset by
an increase of 3% in annual production at Red Dog, with 555,600
tonnes produced.
2024 annual refined zinc production of 256,000 tonnes was 4%
lower than the prior year, as a result of a localized fire in the
electrolytic zinc plant at Trail on September 24, 2024, which
impacted production in the fourth quarter, as previously
disclosed.
|
Q4 2024 |
2024 |
2024 Guidance1 |
(Units in 000’s tonnes) |
Production |
Sales |
Production |
Production |
Copper |
|
|
|
|
Quebrada Blanca |
60.7 |
66.4 |
207.8 |
200 – 210 |
Highland Valley Copper |
27.1 |
24.2 |
102.4 |
97 – 105 |
Antamina (22.5%) |
21.1 |
23.0 |
96.1 |
85 – 95 |
Carmen de Andacollo |
13.2 |
11.3 |
39.7 |
38 – 45 |
|
122.1 |
124.9 |
446.0 |
420 – 455 |
Zinc |
|
|
|
|
Red Dog |
128.4 |
184.0 |
555.6 |
520 –570 |
Antamina (22.5%) |
18.0 |
20.0 |
60.3 |
45 – 60 |
|
146.4 |
204.0 |
615.9 |
565 – 630 |
Refined
zinc |
|
|
|
|
Trail Operations |
62.1 |
61.1 |
256.0 |
240 – 250 |
Note:
- Guidance as of October 23, 2024.
Guidance
Our production, unit cost and capital expenditure guidance for
2025, and annual production guidance for 2026-2028 are outlined in
the tables below. The guidance ranges below reflect our operating
plans, which include known risks and uncertainties. Events such as
extreme weather, unplanned or extended operational shut-downs and
other disruptions could impact actual results beyond these
estimates. Our unit costs are calculated based on production
guidance volumes and variances from estimated production ranges
will impact unit costs. Our disclosed guidance ranges for capital
expenditures do not include post-sanction capital expenditures for
the unsanctioned near-term growth projects, noted above. Our
disclosed production guidance ranges also do not include the
production associated with these unsanctioned projects. Guidance
will be updated at the time a sanction decision is made.
We remain highly focused on managing our controllable operating
expenditures. Our underlying key mining drivers such as strip
ratios and haul distances remain relatively stable. Inflation on
key input costs, including the cost of certain key supplies and
mining equipment, labour and contractors, and changing diesel
prices, are included in our 2025 annual capital expenditure,
capitalized stripping and unit cost guidance. Our unit cost
guidance for 2025 reflects actions taken across our operations to
reduce costs, embedding our management operating system across our
operations to improve consistency and efficiency.
As a result of structural cost reductions across our business,
we expect our 2025 general and administration and research and
innovation costs to decrease by approximately 15% and 35%,
respectively, compared to 2024. This excludes investment in the
implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system
across the company, which we expect to commence in 2025. This will
be a multi-year program and capital costs associated with this
investment for the first year are included in our 2025 guidance,
outlined below. Certain costs associated with the ERP
implementation will be expensed.
Based on our current elevated cash and cash equivalents balance
resulting from the receipt of proceeds from the sale of the
steelmaking coal business, we expect to have higher investment
interest income for the foreseeable future.
Production Guidance
The table below shows Teck’s share of unaudited production of
our principal products in 2024 and our guidance for 2025 and the
next three years.
(Units in 000’s of tonnes) |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
2027 |
2028 |
|
Actual |
Guidance |
Guidance |
Guidance |
Guidance |
Principal
products |
|
|
|
|
|
Copper |
|
|
|
|
|
Quebrada Blanca |
207.8 |
230 – 270 |
280 – 310 |
280 – 310 |
270 – 300 |
Highland Valley Copper |
102.4 |
135 – 150 |
130 – 150 |
120 – 140 |
70 – 90 |
Antamina (22.5%) |
96.1 |
80 – 90 |
95 – 105 |
85 – 95 |
80 – 90 |
Carmen de Andacollo |
39.7 |
45 – 55 |
45 – 55 |
45 – 55 |
35 – 45 |
|
446.0 |
490 – 565 |
550 – 620 |
530 – 600 |
455 – 525 |
Zinc |
|
|
|
|
|
Red Dog |
555.6 |
430 – 470 |
410 – 460 |
365 – 400 |
290 – 320 |
Antamina (22.5%) |
60.3 |
95 – 105 |
55 – 65 |
35 – 45 |
45 – 55 |
|
615.9 |
525 – 575 |
465 – 525 |
400 – 445 |
335 – 375 |
Refined zinc |
|
|
|
|
|
Trail Operations |
256.0 |
190 – 230 |
260 – 300 |
260 – 300 |
260 – 300 |
Other
products |
|
|
|
|
|
Lead |
|
|
|
|
|
Red Dog |
109.1 |
85 – 105 |
70 – 90 |
60 – 80 |
50 – 65 |
Molybdenum |
|
|
|
|
|
Quebrada Blanca |
0.6 |
3.0 – 4.5 |
6.4 – 7.6 |
7.0 – 8.0 |
6.0 – 7.0 |
Highland Valley Copper |
0.9 |
1.6 – 2.1 |
2.3 – 2.8 |
2.7 – 3.2 |
1.8 – 2.4 |
Antamina (22.5%) |
1.8 |
0.5 – 0.8 |
0.7 – 1.0 |
0.9 – 1.2 |
0.4 – 0.6 |
|
3.3 |
5.1 – 7.4 |
9.4 – 11.4 |
10.6 – 12.4 |
8.2 – 10.0 |
Sales Guidance
The table below shows our sales guidance for the first quarter
of 2025 for zinc in concentrate sales at Red Dog.
|
Q1 2024 |
Q1 2025 |
|
Actual |
Guidance |
Zinc (000’s
tonnes)1 |
|
|
Red Dog |
85 |
75 – 90 |
Note:
- Metal contained in concentrate.
Unit Cost Guidance
|
2024 |
2025 |
|
Guidance |
Guidance |
Copper1 |
|
|
Total cash unit costs4 (US$/lb) |
2.30 – 2.50 |
2.05 – 2.35 |
Net cash unit costs3 4 (US$/lb) |
1.90 – 2.30 |
1.65 – 1.95 |
Zinc2 |
|
|
Total cash unit costs4 (US$/lb) |
0.65 – 0.75 |
0.65 – 0.75 |
Net cash unit costs3 4 (US$/lb) |
0.45 – 0.55 |
0.45 – 0.55 |
|
|
|
Notes:
- Copper unit costs are reported in U.S. dollars per payable
pound of metal contained in concentrate. Copper net cash unit costs
include adjusted cash cost of sales and smelter processing charges,
less cash margins for by-products including co-products. Guidance
for 2025 assumes a zinc price of US$1.25 per pound, a molybdenum
price of US$20 per pound, a silver price of US$30 per ounce, a gold
price of US$2,400 per ounce, a Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rate
of $1.40 and a Chilean Peso/U.S. dollar exchange rate of 950.
- Zinc unit costs are reported in U.S. dollars per payable pound
of metal contained in concentrate. Zinc net cash unit costs are
mine costs including adjusted cash cost of sales and smelter
processing charges, less cash margins for by-products. Guidance for
2025 assumes a lead price of US$0.95 per pound, a silver price of
US$30 per ounce and a Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rate of $1.40.
By-products include both by-products and co-products.
- After co-product and by-product margins.
- This is a non-GAAP financial measure or ratio. See “Use of
Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Ratios” for further
information.
Copper
Total copper production in 2025 is expected to increase to
between 490,000 and 565,000 tonnes compared to 446,000 tonnes
produced in 2024.
Through Q4 2024, QB achieved design throughput rates, saw an
improvement in recoveries, and coupled with an increase in grade,
resulted in a record quarterly production. This resulted in total
production in 2024 of 207,800 tonnes. Our 2025 annual QB production
is expected to increase to between 230,000 to 270,000 tonnes, which
is 10,000 tonnes lower than our previously disclosed guidance. We
had scheduled planned maintenance in January 2025 for minor
modifications; however, we extended the scheduled shutdown to
conduct maintenance and reliability work, and complete additional
tailings lifts as part of the operational ramp up. As a result,
production was halted for approximately half of January and is
expected to recommence this week. We have adjusted our guidance
range to account for the additional downtime. As previously noted,
although we expect an overall increase in ore grades in 2025 over
2024, we expect to mine in lower grade areas in the first quarter
of 2025, in line with the scheduled mine plan. Our previously
disclosed production guidance for 2026-2027 remains unchanged at
280,000 to 310,000 tonnes. Annual production for 2028 is expected
to be between 270,000 to 300,000 tonnes, in line with expected
grade variation in the mine plan. The QB debottlenecking project,
outlined above, could lead to a further increase in throughput by
10-15%, with associated production increases dependent on ore feed
grade and recoveries. The results of the QB debottlenecking project
are not reflected in our disclosed production guidance ranges.
Highland Valley Copper production is expected to increase
significantly in 2025 as mining continues in the Lornex pit,
releasing ore which is both higher grade (more metal) and softer
(higher mill throughput). These factors combined will more than
offset expected lower recovery rates associated with the Lornex
ore. Our expected recovery rates have been adjusted, and as a
result, our 2025 annual production is expected to be between
135,000 and 150,000 tonnes. Our previously disclosed 2026 and 2027
annual production guidance is unchanged, and our 2028 annual
production guidance is expected to be between 70,000 and 90,000
tonnes. Our disclosed production guidance does not include HVC MLE,
which could be sanctioned in 2025. As a result, our 2028 annual
production guidance reflects production at the end of mine life of
HVC. If the project is sanctioned, production guidance would be
updated at that time.
Our share (22.5%) of copper production at Antamina will remain
relatively stable over the next few years and our previously
disclosed annual production guidance for 2025 and 2027 is
unchanged, with a slight increase to annual production guidance in
2026. Annual production guidance for 2028 is outlined in the table
above.
Carmen de Andacollo continues to operate in extreme drought
conditions. In 2024, risk mitigation plans to increase water
availability through increased well field capacity were
implemented, enabling mill throughput rates consistent with our
mine plan through the second half of 2024. However, ongoing drought
conditions remain a risk to production, which is reflected in our
annual production guidance for 2025 to 2028.
Our 2025 copper net cash unit costs1, including QB, are expected
to be between US$1.65–$1.95 per pound, a significant reduction from
our 2024 net cash unit cost guidance of US$1.90–$2.30 per pound,
reflecting strong cost discipline across our operations. We expect
a reduction in our operating expenses across our copper business
unit compared to 2024 as QB operations stabilize and we embed our
management operating system across our operations, with a focus on
efficiency and cost optimization. The improvement in our 2025
copper net cash unit costs1 compared to 2024 guidance reflects
reduced operating costs across our business, an increase in copper
production, lower copper treatment and refining charges and higher
by-product credits, which are largely driven by an increase in
molybdenum production at QB and Highland Valley Copper.
In 2025, QB net cash unit costs1 are expected to be between
US$1.80–$2.15 per pound, a significant reduction from our 2024 QB
net cash unit cost1 guidance of US$2.25–$2.55 per pound. The
improvement in QB net cash unit costs1 is primarily due to an
increase in copper production and higher molybdenum by-product
credits, but also reflects completion of ramp-up and the expected
stabilization of QB operations through 2025.
Zinc
Total zinc in concentrate production in 2025 is expected to be
between 525,000 and 575,000 tonnes, compared to 615,900 tonnes in
2024. Production in each of the next three years is expected to
decrease primarily due to declining grades at Red Dog.
Red Dog is expected to produce between 430,000 and 470,000
tonnes of zinc in 2025, compared to 555,600 tonnes in 2024,
primarily due to a decline in zinc grades. We are currently mining
in two pits, Aqqaluk and Qanaiyaq, with the latter to be depleted
midway through 2025 as per the mine plan. As the Qanaiyaq pit nears
the end of life, we have seen an increase in ore tonnes in
Qanaiyaq, but at lower average zinc grades compared to what was
previously expected, leading to a decrease in our 2025 annual zinc
production guidance. Our previously disclosed 2026 and 2027 annual
production guidance is unchanged and 2028 annual production
guidance reflects declining zinc grades as the Aqqaluk pit nears
the end of mine life. We are advancing studies to extend the life
of the operation, having commenced construction of an all-season
access road to more efficiently drill the nearby Anarraaq and
Aktigiruq deposits, which are critical to the extension of the mine
life of Red Dog.
Our share (22.5%) of zinc production at Antamina is expected to
be between 95,000 and 105,000 tonnes in 2025, consistent with our
previously disclosed guidance. Based on Antamina’s mine plan, 2025
is expected to see a higher proportion of copper-zinc ore relative
to copper-only ore compared to 2024. Annual zinc production between
2026 and 2028 is expected to be lower than 2025, as we expect more
copper-only ore relative to copper-zinc ore, consistent with the
mine plan.
Refined zinc production at our Trail Operations is expected to
be between 190,000 and 230,000 tonnes in 2025, compared to 256,000
tonnes in 2024. To maximize value from our Trail Operations, in
light of the current tightness in the zinc concentrate market and
aligned with our focus on improving its profitability and cash
generation, we expect to reduce our zinc production at Trail in
2025, as reflected in our 2025 annual production guidance. We will
continue to operate Trail, albeit at lower production rates, and
remain focused on implementing a range of initiatives to further
improve cash generation. The repair of one of the four sections of
the electrolytic plant impacted by a fire in the third quarter of
2024 continues to progress and is expected to be completed by the
end of the first quarter of 2025. Our annual 2025 production
guidance does not require usage of all sections of the electrolytic
plant. Our annual production guidance of 260,000 to 300,000 tonnes
for 2026–2028 assumes a return to full production levels,
consistent with the capacity of our Trail Operations, subject to
market conditions and optimizing for value and financial
outcomes.
Our 2025 zinc net cash unit costs1 are expected to be US$0.45
–$0.55 per pound, consistent with our 2024 annual guidance, despite
a reduction in annual zinc in concentrate production expected in
2025. Our 2025 zinc net cash unit costs1 are expected to remain
consistent year over year despite lower zinc production. The
decrease in zinc production is offset by lower zinc treatment
charges, higher by-product credits, and continued focus on
efficiency and cost optimization.
Capital Expenditure Guidance
Our 2025 capital expenditures are expected to decrease from our
2024 guidance levels following completion of construction of the
QB2 project in 2024. This decrease is expected to be partially
offset by capital expenditures to progress our near-term copper
growth strategy. The capital required for our near-term growth
projects, noted above, is dependent on the timing of permit
approvals and completion of studies and detailed engineering work
prior to potential sanction decisions. Post-sanction expenditures
are not included in our capital expenditure guidance below for 2025
and our share of estimated post-sanction total attributable capital
for these projects is noted above.
Our 2025 sustaining capital and capitalized stripping
expenditures are expected to be between $1.0–$1.2 billion, in line
with our previously disclosed guidance for our current portfolio of
operating assets. Sustaining capital expenditure in 2025 is
expected to be between $750–$845 million, of which $600–670 million
relates to our copper business and $150–175 million relates to our
zinc business. Capitalized stripping costs in 2025 are expected to
be between $260–300 million.
Our 2025 growth capital expenditure guidance for copper
primarily relates to our near-term copper growth projects – HVC
MLE, Zafranal and San Nicolás – and is focused on completing
feasibility studies, and advancing detailed engineering work,
project execution planning, and permitting. The advancement of
engineering and execution planning for these projects through 2025
is expected to increase our growth capital expenditures, excluding
QB, compared to 2024. In addition, we will work towards operational
optimization at QB, which will inform our low capital-intensity
debottlenecking project at QB. Growth capital expenditure guidance
for 2025 does not include post-sanction project capital, which
would be disclosed at the time of sanctioning. We also expect to
continue to progress our medium to long-term portfolio options with
prudent investments to advance the path to value.
Our 2025 growth capital expenditure guidance for zinc primarily
relates to the construction of an all-season access road at Red Dog
to more efficiently drill the Anarraaq and Aktigiruq deposits, thus
progressing the potential for mine life extension.
Note:
- This is a non-GAAP financial measure or ratio. See “Use of
Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Ratios” for further
information.
The table below shows our capital expenditure guidance for 2024
and 2025.
|
2024 |
2025 |
(Teck’s share in CAD$
millions) |
Guidance |
Guidance |
Sustaining |
|
|
Copper |
495 – 550 |
600 – 670 |
Zinc |
190 – 210 |
150 – 175 |
|
685 – 760 |
750 – 845 |
Growth |
|
|
Copper1 |
1,100 – 1,360 |
740 – 830 |
Zinc |
100 – 130 |
135 – 150 |
|
1,200 – 1,490 |
875 – 980 |
Total |
|
|
Copper |
1,595 – 1,910 |
1,340 – 1,500 |
Zinc |
290 – 340 |
285 – 325 |
Corporate |
30 – 40 |
25 – 40 |
ERP2 |
|
80 – 100 |
Total before partner contributions |
1,915 – 2,290 |
1,730 – 1,965 |
Estimated partner contributions to capital expenditures |
(270) – (340) |
(150) – (170) |
Total, net of partner contributions |
1,645 –
1,950 |
1,580 –
1,795 |
Notes:
- Copper growth capital guidance includes feasibility studies,
advancing detailed engineering work, project execution planning,
and progressing permitting for Highland Valley Copper MLE, San
Nicolás and Zafranal. We also expect to continue to progress our
medium to long-term portfolio options with prudent investments to
advance the path to value including for NewRange, Galore Creek,
Schaft Creek and NuevaUnión. 2024 growth capital guidance includes
QB2 project capital costs of $700–$900 million.
- ERP spending reflects expected 2025 capital investment
only.
Capitalized Stripping
|
|
2024 |
2025 |
(Teck’s share in CAD$
millions) |
|
Guidance |
Guidance |
Copper |
|
255 – 280 |
195 – 225 |
Zinc |
|
65 – 75 |
65 – 75 |
|
|
320 – 355 |
260 – 300 |
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and
Ratios
Our annual financial statements are prepared in accordance with
IFRS® Accounting Standards as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board (IASB). This document refers to a number
of non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios, which are not
measures recognized under IFRS Accounting Standards and do not have
a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards or
by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in the United
States.
The non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios described
below do not have standardized meanings under IFRS Accounting
Standards, may differ from those used by other issuers, and may not
be comparable to similar financial measures and ratios reported by
other issuers. These financial measures and ratios have been
derived from our financial statements and applied on a consistent
basis as appropriate. We disclose these financial measures and
ratios because we believe they assist readers in understanding the
results of our operations and financial position and provide
further information about our financial results to investors. These
measures should not be considered in isolation or used as a
substitute for other measures of performance prepared in accordance
with IFRS Accounting Standards. For more information on our use of
non-GAAP financial measures and ratios, see the section titled “Use
of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Ratios” in our most recent
Management Discussion Analysis, which is available on SEDAR+
(www.sedarplus.ca). Additional information on certain non-GAAP
ratios is below.
Total cash unit costs – Total cash unit costs
for our copper and zinc operations includes adjusted cash costs of
sales, as described below, plus the smelter and refining charges
added back in determining adjusted revenue. This presentation
allows a comparison of total cash unit costs, including smelter
charges, to the underlying price of copper or zinc in order to
assess the margin for the mine on a per unit basis.
Net cash unit costs – Net cash unit costs of
principal product, after deducting co-product and by-product
margins, are also a common industry measure. By deducting the co-
and by-product margin per unit of the principal product, the margin
for the mine on a per unit basis may be presented in a single
metric for comparison to other operations.
Adjusted cash cost of sales – Adjusted cash
cost of sales for our copper and zinc operations is defined as the
cost of the product delivered to the port of shipment, excluding
depreciation and amortization charges, any one-time collective
agreement charges or inventory write-down provisions and by-product
cost of sales. It is common practice in the industry to exclude
depreciation and amortization, as these costs are non-cash, and
discounted cash flow valuation models used in the industry
substitute expectations of future capital spending for these
amounts.
Cash margins for by-products – Cash margins for
by-products is revenue from by- and co-products, less any
associated cost of sales of the by- and co-product. In addition,
for our copper operations, by-product cost of sales also includes
cost recoveries associated with our streaming transactions.
Total cash unit costs per pound –Total cash
unit costs per pound is a non-GAAP ratio comprised of adjusted cash
cost of sales divided by payable pounds sold plus smelter
processing charges divided by payable pounds sold.
Net cash unit costs per pound – Net cash unit
costs per pound is a non-GAAP ratio comprised of (adjusted cash
cost of sales plus smelter processing charges less cash margin for
by-products) divided by payable pounds sold. There is no similar
financial measure in our consolidated financial statements with
which to compare. Adjusted cash cost of sales is a non-GAAP
financial measure.
Cash margins for by-products per pound – Cash
margins for by-products per pound is a non-GAAP ratio comprised of
cash margins for by-products divided by payable pounds sold.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking
Statements
This document contains certain forward-looking information and
forward-looking statements as defined in applicable securities laws
(collectively referred to as “forward-looking statements”). These
statements relate to future events or our future performance. All
statements other than statements of historical fact are
forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words
“anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”,
“will”, “project”, “predict”, “potential”, “should”, “believe” and
similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking
statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or
events to differ materially from those anticipated in such
forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the
date of this document.
These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited
to, statements concerning: all guidance appearing in this document
including, but not limited to, the production, sales, costs, unit
costs, capital expenditures, transportation costs, cost reduction
and other guidance under the heading “Guidance” and elsewhere in
this news release; our expectations regarding inflationary
pressures and increased key input costs, including mining equipment
labour and energy costs; our production, capital and operating
expectations through 2028 at our QB, Highland Valley Copper,
Antamina, Carmen de Andacollo, Red Dog and Trail operations;
expectations for our QB project, including the timing of completion
of ramp-up and the length and occurrence of additional production
shut-downs; expectations for the potential pathway to grow copper
production to approximately 800,000 tonnes per year before the end
of the decade; expectations with respect to development of our near
term growth projects, including capital, production and operating
expectations for QB optimization and debottlenecking, Highland
Valley Copper Mine Life Extension, Zafranal, San Nicolás, and Red
Dog, including with respect to timing and occurrence of sanction
decisions, growth capital expenditure, and related work advancing
feasibility studies, detailed engineering work, execution planning,
permitting, and construction, as applicable; our expectations with
respect to efforts to manage controllable operating expenditures
and effect structural cost reductions; and expectations related to
the repair of the electrolytic plant at Trail operations.
These statements are based on a number of assumptions,
including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding general
business and economic conditions, interest rates, commodity and
power prices; acts of foreign or domestic governments, including
the imposition of tariffs or other trade restrictions, and the
outcome of legal proceedings and permitting processes; the supply
and demand for, deliveries of, and the level and volatility of
prices of copper, zinc, and our other metals and minerals, as well
as oil, natural gas and other petroleum products; our ability to
procure equipment and operating supplies and services in sufficient
quantities and on a timely basis; the availability of qualified
employees and contractors for our operations, including our new
developments and our ability to attract and retain skilled
employees; our ability to obtain, comply with and renew permits,
licenses and leases in a timely manner; the timing of the receipt
of permits, licenses, leases and other regulatory and governmental
approvals for our development projects and other operations,
including mine life extensions; our ability to secure adequate
transportation, including rail and port services, for our products;
our costs of production and our production and productivity levels,
as well as those of our competitors; continuing availability of
water and power resources for our operations at an acceptable cost
or at all; credit market conditions and conditions in financial
markets generally; the availability of funding to refinance our
borrowings as they become due or to finance our development
projects on reasonable terms; availability of letters of credit and
other forms of financial assurance acceptable to regulators for
reclamation and other bonding requirements; the satisfactory
negotiation of collective agreements with unionized employees; the
impact of changes in Canadian-U.S. dollar exchange rates, Canadian
dollar-Chilean Peso exchange rates and other foreign exchange rates
on our costs and results; engineering and construction timetables
and capital costs for our development and expansion projects; the
benefits of technology for our operations and development projects,
costs of closure, and environmental compliance costs generally, on
our operations; market competition; the accuracy of our mineral
reserve and resource estimates and mine plans (including with
respect to size, grade and recoverability) and the geological,
operational and price assumptions on which these are based; the
outcome of our copper, zinc and lead concentrate treatment and
refining charge negotiations with customers; the resolution of
environmental and other proceedings or disputes; the future supply
of low-cost power to the Trail smelting and refining complex; and
our ongoing relations with our employees and with our business and
joint venture partners. Assumptions regarding QB operations and the
QB2 project include current ramp-up assumptions and assumptions
contained in the final feasibility study, as well as there being no
further unexpected material and negative impact to operations or
provision of goods and services as anticipated. Assumptions
regarding the costs and benefits of our projects include
assumptions that the relevant project is sanctioned, constructed,
commissioned, and operated in accordance with current expectations.
Expectations regarding our operations are based on numerous
assumptions regarding continued operation in line with current
expectations. Our Guidance tables include disclosure and footnotes
with further assumptions relating to our guidance, and assumptions
for certain other forward-looking statements accompany those
statements within the document. Statements concerning future
production costs or volumes are based on numerous assumptions
regarding operating matters and on assumptions that demand for
products develops as anticipated, that customers and other
counterparties perform their contractual obligations, that
operating and capital plans will not be disrupted by issues such as
mechanical failure, unavailability of parts and supplies, labour
disturbances, interruption in transportation or utilities, adverse
weather conditions, or social unrest, and that there are no
material unanticipated variations in the cost of energy or
supplies. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.
Events or circumstances could cause actual results to vary
materially.
Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially
include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity and power
prices; changes in market demand for our products; changes in
interest and currency exchange rates; acts of governments,
including the imposition of tariffs or other trade restrictions,
and the outcome of legal proceedings and permitting processes;
inaccurate geological and metallurgical assumptions (including with
respect to the size, grade and recoverability of mineral reserves
and resources); unanticipated operational difficulties (including
failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate in accordance
with specifications or expectations, cost escalation,
unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or
delays in the receipt of permits, licenses and leases or other
government approvals, changes in tax or royalty rates, industrial
disturbances or other job action, adverse weather conditions,
social unrest, or unanticipated events related to health, safety
and environmental matters); union labour disputes; political risk;
social unrest; failure of customers or counterparties (including
logistics suppliers) to perform their contractual obligations;
changes in our credit ratings; unanticipated increases in costs to
advance or construct our development projects; difficulty in
obtaining permits; inability to address concerns regarding permits
or environmental impact assessments; any resurgence of COVID-19 and
related mitigation protocols; and changes or further deterioration
in general economic conditions. The amount and timing of capital
expenditures is depending upon, among other matters, being able to
secure permits, equipment, supplies, materials and labour on a
timely basis and at expected costs. Certain operations and projects
are not controlled by us; schedules and costs may be adjusted by
our partners, and timing of spending and operation of the operation
or project is not in our control. Certain of our other operations
and projects are operated through joint arrangements where we may
not have control over all decisions, which may cause outcomes to
differ from current expectations. QB production and sales guidance,
costs, and capital expenditures are dependent on, among other
matters, our continued ability to advance progress on remaining
ramp-up activities as currently anticipated. Red Dog and QB
production may also be impacted by water levels at site and our
ability to manage those water levels through tailing storage
facilities or otherwise. Unit costs in our copper business unit are
impacted by higher profitability, which can cause higher
profit-based compensation and royalty expenses. Sales to China may
be impacted by general and specific port restrictions, Chinese
regulation and policies, and normal production and operating
risks.
We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements
except as required under securities laws. Further information
concerning risks, assumptions and uncertainties associated with
these forward-looking statements and our business can be found in
our Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2022,
filed under our profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on EDGAR
(www.sec.gov) under cover of Form 40-F, as well as subsequent
filings that can also be found under our profile.
About TeckTeck is a leading Canadian resource
company focused on responsibly providing metals essential to
economic development and the energy transition. Teck has a
portfolio of world-class copper and zinc operations across North
and South America and an industry-leading copper growth pipeline.
We are focused on creating value by advancing responsible growth
and ensuring resilience built on a foundation of stakeholder trust.
Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Teck’s shares are listed on the
Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TECK.A and TECK.B and the
New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TECK. Learn more about
Teck at www.teck.com or follow @TeckResources.
Investor Contact:Emma ChapmanVice President,
Investor Relations +44.207.509.6576emma.chapman@teck.com
Media Contact:Dale SteevesDirector, External
Communications236.987.7405 dale.steeves@teck.com
Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.A)
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