Teck Resources has announced that a Comprehensive Operations Review is underway, focused on improving performance with a detailed action plan for its Chilean copper mine Quebrada Blanca (QB), identifying opportunities to enhance operating practices, and reinforcing confidence that future business plans are both reasonable and achievable. As part of this it is deferring sanctioning of major growth projects until QB achieves steady-state operations and ramp-up targets.
The Comprehensive Operations Review, launched in August, includes detailed assessments of operating plans, input from third-party experts, and rigorous execution tracking. The review is expected to conclude by October 2025.
The QB action plan is in progress and focuses on identifying and implementing solutions to address slow sand drainage, which has impacted the pace of the tailings management facility (TMF) development and constrained production. The action plan includes targeted steps to enable ramp-up, accelerate sand drainage, and strengthen execution at QB.
Teck’s near-term priority is to enable unconstrained production by mechanically raising the tailings dam wall and increasing crest height. This is being done through construction of additional rock benches to minimise downtime in the concentrator, while we pursue improvements in sand drainage.
Significant work has been undertaken through 2025 to improve sand drainage times; however, further progress is needed to reach design targets. Several initiatives are underway to accelerate drainage performance.
Firstly, modification to the cyclone facility in consultation with cyclone manufacturers and third-party experts to improve the removal of fines and ultra-fines, which are currently limiting sand drainage rates. This is expected to be implemented by December 2025. A trial is also underway to evaluate coarser grind size in the mills following successful test work in July; and Teck is also looking at refinement of sand placement techniques to further improve drainage efficiency.
Beyond the TMF-specific initiatives, Teck says it is committed to positioning QB operations for long-term, reliable performance. This includes validating an executable mine plan and optimising performance across the mine, plant, and port. Planning, forecasting and reconciliation processes are under assessment and will be strengthened to support operational readiness and informed decision-making. Through a comprehensive review of site operations, Teck “is proactively managing risk to support a successful ramp-up and ensure consistent delivery to design capacity.”
The post Teck looks to accelerate sand drainage times at QB tailings facility appeared first on International Mining.