This technical report presents the mineral processing, metallurgical testing, recovery methods, and resource and reserve estimates for the Fording River Coal Operation in British Columbia, effective December 31, 2022.
Report context
The NI 43-101 Technical Report on Fording River Coal Operation, British Columbia, Canada, was prepared for Teck Resources Limited. The effective date of the report is December 31, 2022. The report covers mineral processing and metallurgical testing, recovery methods, and related infrastructure at the operation.
Processing route
Metallurgical Testwork
The report documents three categories of metallurgical testwork: bulk samples, washability tests, and carbonization tests. Bulk samples were collected for metallurgical testing purposes. Washability tests were performed to evaluate coal separability characteristics. Carbonization tests were conducted to assess the coking properties of the coal.
Recovery Estimates
Recovery estimates are presented in the report as part of the mineral processing and metallurgical testing section. These estimates are based on the testwork described above.
Blending Considerations
Blending considerations are addressed within the processing section of the report. The blending approach is designed to produce in-spec clean coal products from the operation.
Plant Flowsheet
The recovery methods section describes the plant flowsheet, which includes a breaker, dryer, and storage and rail loadout system. The plant design incorporates these components as part of the coal processing circuit.
Yields
Yields are reported in Section 17.4 of the technical report as part of the recovery methods description.
Energy, Water, and Process Materials Requirements
The report documents requirements for power, water, and reagents. Power supply, water usage, and reagent consumption are addressed in the recovery methods section.
Key reported parameters
| Parameter | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Breaker | Included in plant design | Design |
| Dryer | Included in plant design | Design |
| Storage and rail loadout | Included in plant design | Design |
| Bulk samples | Collected for testwork | Testwork |
| Washability tests | Performed | Testwork |
| Carbonization tests | Performed | Testwork |
| Recovery estimates | Reported | Testwork and design |
| Yields | Reported | Design and operating basis |
Project website: https://www.glencore.ca/en/evr/operations
Technical qualifications
The qualified persons responsible for the technical report include professionals registered with the Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia. The report states that one qualified person has worked daily at Fording Coal Operation from September 2011 to July 2020 and May 2022 to present, with this familiarity serving as the scope of personal inspection. The qualified person is not independent of Teck Coal Limited as independence is described by Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. Relevant coal experience includes exploration and mine production geology, technical marketing support, wash plant quality and coal recovery, coal quality, exploration, database management, geological modeling, mining and recovery of coal, blending of coal, annual exploration project management, and the annual resource and reserve process.
Source: NI 43-101 Technical Report on Fording River Coal Operation, British Columbia, Canada, effective date December 31, 2022, Sections 13.0, 14.0, 15.0, 16.0, and 17.0.
