Teck Coal is looking to expand

The proposed expansion to Teck Coal’s Line Creek Operation is in the environmental review process

Teck Coal (TSX:TCK) has proposed two areas of expansion just north of its Line Creek Operation’s active mine area, located halfway between Sparwood a

Teck Coal (TSX:TCK) has proposed two areas of expansion just north of its Line Creek Operation’s active mine area, located halfway between Sparwood and Elkford, British Columbia. According to the notice of commencement, the two development areas of the Line Creek Operations Phase 2 coal mine will encompass a combined area of approximately 1,100 hectares.

As permitting from Fisheries and Oceans Canada might be needed due to the presence of streams, an environmental review was triggered. The environmental assessment process commenced in December of 2009 and is anticipated to be complete by 2012.

The scope of environmental assessment will include construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning.

Nic Milligan, Teck Coal's manager of community and government relations, said that baseline studies are being conducted in terms of environmental and socio-economic impact.

The new phase will make use of the active operation’s existing mine infrastructure.

“The expansion will use almost exclusively the existing infrastructure,” said Milligan, “including the existing power substation, the existing coal conveyance system and the existing wash plant.”

Teck anticipates the new phase will yield 52 million metric tonnes over 20 years.