British Columbia Critical Minerals Programme
Project Overview
Multi-project critical minerals development initiative across northwestern British Columbia, focused on responsible supply of copper and other critical minerals essential for global energy transition and advanced manufacturing.
Location & Jurisdiction Northwestern British Columbia, Canada (Golden Triangle region)
- Province: British Columbia
- Federal jurisdiction: Canada
- Traditional territories: Multiple First Nations
Indigenous Partners Multiple First Nations across northwestern BC territory engaged through co-operative frameworks and bilateral agreements established under BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).
Key Statistics
- Operator: Teck Resources Limited (TSX: TECK.A, TECK.B; NYSE: TECK)
- Commodity Focus: Copper, zinc, and critical minerals
- Strategic Alignment: BC Critical Minerals Strategy 2024
- Provincial Support: $500 million Critical Minerals Processing Fund
- Indigenous Funding: Nearly $3.1 billion in loans, grants, and scholarships for Indigenous ownership
Project Components The Strategic Minerals Initiative encompasses multiple assets:
- Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension (CAD $2.1-2.4 billion investment)
- Trail Operations metallurgical facility upgrades
- Regional exploration and development portfolio
- Infrastructure and community investment programmes
Indigenous Partnership Model Engagement Framework:
- Multi-year Impact Benefit Agreements with local Indigenous communities
- Employment and procurement opportunities prioritised for Indigenous businesses
- Cultural competency training for all Teck employees
- Desktop and facilitated sessions on Indigenous rights and perspectives
Economic Benefits for Indigenous Communities:
- Direct employment in mining operations and support services
- Business opportunities through Teck's Indigenous procurement strategy
- Revenue sharing through royalty and tax arrangements
- Capacity building through education and training programmes
Specific Indigenous Initiatives:
- $150,000 contribution to "Back to the Fire" documentary series (2023) promoting Indigenous storytelling
- 10 annual bursaries for Indigenous students in post-secondary education and technical training
- Participation in BC Indigenous Partnership Success Showcase
- Support for Originarias programme empowering Indigenous women (Chile operations)
Sustainability & ESG Credentials
- Commitment to leading environmental and social practices
- Recognition of importance of respecting Indigenous and community rights
- Honour all existing agreements with communities, Indigenous governments, and labour unions
- Alignment with ILO Convention No. 169 and IFC Performance Standard 7
Government & Regulatory Support Provincial Framework:
- BC Critical Minerals Strategy 2024 with 11 key actions
- Enhanced access to world-class public geoscience
- BC Critical Minerals Atlas released
- Mines Digital Trust initiative (UN recognition)
- Dramatically reduced permitting timelines through Critical Minerals Office
Federal Alignment:
- Canada Critical Minerals Strategy support
- Focus on secure, reliable supply chains for global markets
- EU-Canada-BC Critical Raw Materials dialogue (Vancouver, January 2025)
Investment Proposition for UK/European Investors Strategic Advantages:
- Tier-1 operator with world-class copper and zinc operations
- Northwestern BC possesses tremendous potential for critical minerals
- Access to clean hydroelectricity (BC's power grid 97% renewable)
- Well-established transportation networks (rail and ports)
- Stable, transparent regulatory environment
Market Context:
- Global demand for critical minerals expected to increase fivefold by 2040 (IEA)
- Copper facing supply shortages (key commodity in northwestern BC)
- BloombergNEF ranked Canada #1 globally for secure, reliable lithium-ion battery supply chains (February 2024)
Recent Developments 2025 Merger Announcement:
- September 2025: Teck and Anglo American announced merger of equals to form "Anglo Teck"
- Combined entity will be global critical minerals champion
- CAD $4.5 billion investment commitment over five years in Canada
- Primary listing on TSX (subject to approval)
- Maintains all Indigenous agreements and commitment to respecting Indigenous rights
Recent Government Action:
- January 2025: Province, First Nations announce next steps for economy growth through partnerships in northwestern BC
- Enhanced land-use planning to unlock generational economic development
- Balanced approach achieving conservation objectives whilst accelerating permitting
Key Contacts
- Operator: Teck Resources Limited
- Indigenous Relations: Communities and Indigenous Peoples division
Investment Considerations Opportunities:
- Exposure to multiple critical mineral projects in world-class jurisdiction
- Established operator with 100+ year track record in BC
- Strong Indigenous partnerships providing social licence certainty
- Government support at provincial and federal levels
- Clean energy advantage with access to hydroelectricity
Risk Factors:
- Multi-project programme requires ongoing capital deployment
- Permitting timelines subject to consultation processes
- Global commodity price volatility
- Pending merger integration with Anglo American
Investor Resources
- Teck 2024 Sustainability Report
- BC Critical Minerals Strategy (2024)
- Teck Approach to Relationships with Indigenous Peoples (January 2024)
- Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy (federal government)