The Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 (QB2) Project is one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper resources. When complete, QB2 will be a premier asset, with low operating costs, an initial mine life of 28 years, and significant potential for further growth. Construction of QB2 was sanctioned by the project partners in December 2018. First copper production is planned for the second half of 2021. 

QB2 incorporates extensive environmental measures, including the first large-scale use of desalinated seawater for mining in the Tarapacá Region of Chile, in place of freshwater use. The QB2 project has also consulted extensively with local communities and will continue to work cooperatively with stakeholders throughout the life of the project.

Teck holds an indirect 60% interest in Compañía Minera Teck Quebrada Blanca SA ("QBSA") which owns QB2. Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. and Sumitomo Corporation together have a collective 30% indirect interest in QBSA. ENAMI, a Chilean state agency, has a 10% non-funding interest in QBSA.

The project is comprised of a mine area with a concentrator plant and tailings facility, utilities and port facilities.

The supergene orebody (near-surface deposit) was mined during the initial phase of Quebrada Blanca. QB2 will develop the deeper sulphide resource underlying the existing operation. As a result, QB2 is effectively pre-stripped, which greatly reduces project costs.

• Initial 28-year mine life will use only 25% of total reserves and resources
• Maximum pit depth of 720 meters

Concentrator

Processing of copper ore, including crushing, milling, bulk flotation, thickening and filtering will occur in a new concentrator plant with a production capacity of 140,000 tonnes-per-day.

Tailings Facility

Mine tailings will be transported from the concentrator plant to the tailings facility. The facility will be built to industry-leading standards for safety and security to ensure safe management and storage.

Utilities

Utilities constructed to service QB2 will include the concentrate and desalinated water transport systems, high-voltage power lines and access roads.

Port Facilities and Desalination Plant

QB2 will include the first large-scale use of desalinated seawater at a mining operation in the Tarapacá Region of Chile, in place of freshwater use. In addition, port facilities for loading mineral concentrate onto ships for transport to markets will be constructed.

QB2 Environmental Impact Study