The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) has recognized Teck Trail Operations for receiving a top grade according to national mining standards.
There are five different protocols Teck was graded on, a part of the Towards Sustainable Mining initiative by MAC. The smelter operation received an 'A' rating in the categories, including Aboriginal and community outreach, crisis management, safety and health and more.
One of the categories Trail Operations excelled in is biodiversity. Catherine Adair, community relations leader at Teck, says dust suppression is just one of the initiatives the mining company takes on, maintaining its high ranking.
“This protocol highlights our continuing efforts at environmental improvement,” she said. “One example, in our ongoing planting program, with the goal of covering bare soil to reduce dust and potential erosion, enhancing local biodiversity and providing aesthetic improvements.”
In the Aboriginal and community outreach branch of the award, Adair says Teck's presence on local committees scored the company a high grade.
“This protocol highlights the work completed by both Trail Operations and the local community with organizations like the Trail Health and Environment Committee; a partnership between Teck, the City of Trail, Interior Health, the Ministry of Environment and local community members.
This is the third time in the last two years that a Teck Metals operation has earned the award for industry leadership and this time around, Adair says the company is pleased for its employees and partners, but also proud of the community for being involved.
“Teck Trail Operations is proud to receive this award,” she said. “Many of the initiatives and programs highlighted through the verification process were community partnerships, which really goes to show that this award does not just recognize the hard work of Teck Trail Operations employees, but also the local community.”
The smelter received the award after self assessments and a third-party assessment and covers the standard everyday operations and practices.