Teck Resources and TRU have announced a major investment by the miner into ecological research.

Teck Highland Valley Copper is giving $575,000 to support research on ecosystem reclamation headed by Lauchlan Fraser at Thompson Rivers University (TRU).

“Today’s announcement marks another step forward in TRU’s commitment to pressing environmental research,” said TRU Vice-President Research Shannon Wagner. “Thank you to Teck Highland Valley Copper for being a valued collaborator and committing to scholarly work on industry practices.”

Fraser is an NSERC Industrial Research Chair and expert in grassland and wetland ecology whose research focuses on understanding BC Interior ecosystems so they can be quickly restored after natural environmental disturbances and resource extraction.

“This investment allows TRU to be at the forefront in the development of tools to help solve environmental disturbances-solutions that are more pressing than ever in the face of climate change,” said Fraser. “A new sense of urgency is pushing us into new areas of research to increase the speed with which we can restore disturbed landscapes.”

Teck Highland Valley Copper was a key funding partner in establishing the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Ecosystem Reclamation at TRU in 2018.

“Teck Highland Valley Copper Operations is proud to support this important research that will provide valuable learnings to enhance reclamation techniques for the entire mining industry,” said Matt Parrilla, general manager, Teck Highland Valley Copper Operations. “Our support also aligns with our commitment to contribute to halting and reversing the global challenge of nature loss while responsibly producing the critical minerals essential for a low-carbon future.”