Teck announced that its Trail facility will return to its full refined zinc production of 25,000 tonnes per month for the first time since December 2008 due to strengthened customer demand.

The increase in operation from 20,000 tonnes a month will start September 1st and will be achieved by Teck taking delivery of its full contracted tonnage of Red Dog concentrate.

Mr Richard Deane manager of energy and public relations with Teck said that “We’re very pleased with the decision. It’s good news for the company, the community and the employees.”

Mr Deane said that the increase in demand will mean the hiring of 10 to 15 new employees at the Trail operation.