The Unsung Hero of Modern Life
While copper and lithium capture headlines in discussions about the energy transition, zinc quietly underpins two of humanity's most fundamental needs: health and infrastructure. As the fourth most-used metal in the world, zinc is essential for galvanising steel, producing alloys, manufacturing fertilisers, and β critically β supporting human health. Teck Resources, as one of the world's largest integrated zinc and lead smelting and refining operators, plays a pivotal role in ensuring a reliable, responsibly produced supply of this indispensable metal.
Zinc and Human Health
Zinc is an essential micronutrient required by every living cell. It supports immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and healthy growth during childhood and pregnancy. The World Health Organization estimates that zinc deficiency affects approximately two billion people worldwide, contributing to increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, stunted growth in children, and elevated maternal mortality rates.
Addressing zinc deficiency is a global public health priority. Zinc supplementation programmes and biofortification of staple crops with zinc have been shown to reduce childhood diarrhoea by up to 25 percent and lower mortality rates in vulnerable populations. Teck Resources supports zinc health initiatives through partnerships with the International Zinc Association and contributions to research on zinc's role in nutrition and disease prevention.
- Immune support β Zinc is critical for the development and function of immune cells, making it essential for fighting infections.
- Child development β Adequate zinc intake supports healthy physical and cognitive development in children.
- Agricultural productivity β Zinc-enriched fertilisers improve crop yields and nutritional quality, particularly in zinc-deficient soils common across South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Water purification β Zinc compounds are used in water treatment processes, contributing to clean drinking water access in developing regions.
Zinc in Infrastructure and Construction
The most significant industrial application of zinc is the galvanisation of steel β a process in which a thin layer of zinc is applied to steel surfaces to prevent corrosion. Galvanised steel is the backbone of modern infrastructure: bridges, highways, power transmission towers, water pipes, and buildings all depend on zinc-coated steel for durability and longevity.
A galvanised steel structure can last 75 to 100 years with minimal maintenance, dramatically reducing lifecycle costs and the environmental impact of frequent replacement. As countries around the world invest in infrastructure modernisation and climate-resilient construction, demand for galvanised steel β and therefore zinc β is projected to grow steadily through the coming decades.
Teck's Integrated Zinc Operations
Teck's zinc operations span the entire value chain, from mining at Red Dog in Alaska β one of the world's largest zinc mines β to smelting and refining at Trail Operations in British Columbia. This vertical integration provides Teck with unique operational efficiency, quality control, and supply-chain resilience.
Red Dog Mine, located approximately 170 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, produces over 500,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate annually. The operation is a joint venture with NANA Regional Corporation, an Alaska Native corporation, reflecting Teck's commitment to Indigenous partnership and shared economic benefit.
Trail Operations processes zinc and lead concentrates from Red Dog and other sources, producing refined zinc, lead, and a suite of specialty metals including germanium, indium, and cadmium. The facility also operates one of the world's largest recycling programmes for electronic waste and industrial byproducts, recovering valuable metals from materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.
Sustainability in Zinc Production
Teck is investing in technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of zinc production. Trail Operations benefits from British Columbia's predominantly hydroelectric power grid, giving it one of the lowest carbon intensities of any zinc smelter globally. Additionally, Teck is exploring hydrogen-based reduction processes and carbon-capture technologies that could further decarbonise zinc refining in the coming years.
Zinc's inherent recyclability also supports a circular economy. Approximately 30 percent of global zinc production already comes from recycled sources, and this proportion is growing as collection and processing technologies improve. Teck's Trail Operations is at the forefront of this trend, processing increasing volumes of recycled feedstock alongside primary concentrates.
A Metal That Matters
Zinc may not enjoy the same public profile as copper or gold, but its contributions to human health, infrastructure resilience, and industrial productivity are immense. As the world builds the sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure of the future, zinc will remain an essential material β and Teck Resources will continue to be a responsible, innovative leader in its production.