Ore difficulties hamper Red Dog

Teck Resources Ltd. April 25 reported the Red Dog Mine in Northwest Alaska produced 102,500 metric tons of zinc during the first quarter, a six percent drop compared to the same period last year. The company attributed this drop to challenges of processing the higher grade but more complex ore from Qanaiyaq, the new pit at Red Dog.

During the first quarter, ore from Qanaiyaq pit was introduced to supplement declining grade ore from the Aqqaluk pit, however, mill performance was adversely affected as these ores are metallurgically complex, particularly in the highly oxidized near the surface.

As less oxidized ore becomes available a larger percentage will be added to supplement the declining grades of Aqqaluk ore in coming years.

As a result of the lower recoveries and unplanned downtime from the challenges of processing Qanaiyaq ore, Teck has lowered its 2017 zinc production guidance for Red Dog to 475,000 to 500,000 metric tons.

The mine produced 583,000 metric tons of zinc last year.

The company expects Red Dog to produce 110,000 to 115,000 metric tons of lead this year, which is unchanged from previous estimates.

-SHANE LASLEY