Teck (TSX: TCK.A and TCK.B, NYSE: TCK) Comments on Red Dog Permit Appeal
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--- Jan. 15, 2010 - Teck Resources Limited (TSX: TCK.A and TCK.B, NYSE: TCK) commented on an appeal filed today against the State of Alaska's certification of a water discharge permit recently issued to Teck Alaska's Red Dog Mine by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA").
Two nonprofit law firms joined with local tribal and environmental organizations to file a request for an adjudicatory hearing with the State of Alaska of their appeal of the State's certification of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit (the mine's main water discharge permit). The appeal asserts that certain permit provisions do not comply with the Clean Water Act. If successful, the appeal could result in revisions to the permit conditions or revocation of the permit. The organizations did not request that the permit be stayed, allowing the certification to remain in effect during adjudication of this specific appeal.
The certification was issued on December 15, 2009, when, in accordance with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, the State of Alaska certified that the renewed NPDES permit would comply with all applicable State water quality regulations.
"The State and Federal agencies have just completed a very thorough review of water quality issues associated with Red Dog," said Jim Kulas, Manager, Environmental and Public Affairs for Teck. "Based on years of data documenting a healthy downstream environment, in the agencies' judgment, the permit will be fully protective of human health and the environment. Teck believes that the regulatory process has been robust and appropriate."
The NPDES permit was issued by the EPA on January 8, 2010. The appeal period for the NPDES permit expires on February 16, 2010.
The Army Corps of Engineers permit for the Aqqaluk Deposit, the next ore body to be mined at Red Dog, is the only outstanding agency authorization for the next phase of mining at Red Dog. This permit is undergoing final agency review but has not yet been issued. There is no specific period established for an appeal of this permit.
Other state and local permits required for development of Aqqaluk were received in December. The appeal period for those permits has expired without appeal. As previously noted, development of the Aqqaluk Deposit at Red Dog could be delayed as a result of delays in permit issuance or appeals of permits issued. Any delay extending beyond the first quarter of 2010 will likely result in a reduction or interruption of Red Dog production.
Teck and its partner, indigenous landowner NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., continue to communicate with all stakeholders in an effort to respond to concerns raised and to mitigate the risk of an interruption to the Red Dog Operation.
"We are looking forward to completion of this process so that Red Dog can acquire the permits necessary to develop the Aqqaluk Deposit," said Rosie Barr, Resources Manager, NANA Regional Corporation, Inc. "It is my hope that the permitting process stays on schedule so that the essential economic, cultural and social benefits that are provided by the mine can continue. NANA is committed to working with the EPA and our partners at Teck to complete this process and to keep Red Dog operating for our people and the residents of Alaska for another 20 years."
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 and information include statements regarding Teck's expectations regarding the potential impact of permitting delays on future production from the Red Dog mine. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Teck to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
Factors that may cause actual results to vary include, but are not limited to, potential appeals of regulatory actions, changes in regulations, court decisions, and operational mining risks. Certain of these risks are described in more detail in the annual information form of Teck and in its public filings with Canadian securities administrators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 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, metallurgical coal, zinc, gold 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. Further information about Teck can be found at www.teck.com.
For more information, please contact
Teck Resources LimitedJim KulasManager, Environmental and Public Affairs, Red Dog Mine(907)426-9129/351-8866Jim.Kulas@teck.comwww.teck.com
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