Copper's Critical Role in the Energy Transition

Why Copper Is the Metal of the Future

As the world accelerates its transition toward cleaner energy systems, one metal stands out as indispensable: copper. With its unrivalled electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and recyclability, copper is the backbone of virtually every technology required to decarbonise the global economy. From wind turbines and solar panels to electric vehicles and energy storage systems, copper is woven into the fabric of a sustainable future.

At Teck Resources, we recognise that our role as one of the world's leading copper producers carries both tremendous opportunity and profound responsibility. Our operations — including Highland Valley Copper in British Columbia and Quebrada Blanca in Chile — are positioned to supply the critical minerals the world needs while upholding the highest standards of environmental stewardship and community partnership.

The Scale of Demand

Global copper demand is projected to increase by more than 50 percent by 2040, driven primarily by the electrification of transport, the expansion of renewable energy generation, and the modernisation of electrical grids. According to the International Energy Agency, achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 will require a near-doubling of copper supply compared with today's levels.

Consider the numbers: a single onshore wind turbine requires approximately 4.7 tonnes of copper, while a typical electric vehicle uses roughly 83 kilograms — four times more than a conventional internal-combustion car. Large-scale solar farms consume between 4 and 5 tonnes of copper per megawatt of installed capacity. These figures underscore why copper is often described as the metal that makes the energy transition possible.

Teck's Copper Growth Portfolio

Teck Resources operates four copper mines across the Americas, producing hundreds of thousands of tonnes of copper concentrate annually. Our flagship Highland Valley Copper operation in British Columbia is one of the largest open-pit copper mines in Canada, with a mine life extending well into the 2030s. Meanwhile, our Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 expansion in northern Chile has transformed the operation into a world-class, long-life asset capable of producing approximately 285,000 tonnes of copper equivalent per year during its first five years of full production.

• Highland Valley Copper — Located in the Interior of British Columbia, this operation has been producing copper and molybdenum since 1962 and remains a cornerstone of Teck's portfolio.
• Quebrada Blanca — Situated in Chile's Tarapacá Region at an elevation of over 4,400 metres, this mine is one of the most significant new copper operations brought online in the past decade.
• Carmen de Andacollo — A smaller but strategically important Chilean operation contributing to Teck's diversified copper supply base.
• Antamina — A joint-venture operation in Peru that ranks among the world's largest copper-zinc mines.

Responsible Production for a Changing World

Meeting surging copper demand must not come at the expense of the environment or the communities that host mining operations. Teck is committed to responsible production practices that minimise ecological impact, conserve water, and create lasting benefits for local and Indigenous communities. Our sustainability strategy is built around three pillars: climate action, nature stewardship, and social equity.

We have set ambitious targets to reduce our greenhouse-gas emissions intensity by 33 percent by 2030 and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. At our copper operations, we are investing in electrification of mine fleets, renewable energy procurement, and process optimisation to drive down the carbon footprint of every tonne of copper we produce.

Innovation Driving Efficiency

Technological innovation is central to Teck's ability to meet growing copper demand sustainably. Our proprietary CESL hydrometallurgical technology offers an alternative to conventional smelting that can reduce emissions and improve metal recoveries. We are also deploying autonomous haul trucks, advanced data analytics, and real-time monitoring systems across our operations to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental performance.

Copper is not simply a commodity — it is a catalyst for the clean-energy economy. As global demand intensifies, Teck Resources is proud to play a leading role in supplying the copper the world needs, produced responsibly and with respect for the people and places that make our work possible.