Cominco, originally The Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada, was a leading Canadian mining company known for its operations at Trail, British Columbia, and its growth through mergers and acquisitions. It eventually merged with Teck Resources, leaving a legacy in base metals and smelting.
The Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada (CM&S) is incorporated through the merger of several mining and smelting operations in British Columbia, including the Trail smelter. The company is initially focused on lead and zinc production. #mining #history #Canada
CM&S expands the Trail smelter to increase capacity for lead and zinc smelting, becoming one of the largest non-ferrous smelting complexes in the world. This expansion supports the Allied war effort during World War I. #mining #WWI
Emissions from the Trail smelter cause damage to crops in Washington state, leading to a transboundary air pollution dispute between Canada and the United States. The case eventually goes to international arbitration. #environment #law
The arbitration tribunal issues its final decision on the Trail Smelter case, establishing the principle that a state must not allow its territory to be used to cause serious environmental harm to another state. This becomes a foundational precedent in international environmental law. #environment #law
CM&S discovers the Polaris lead-zinc deposit in the Yukon, which would become one of the world's largest zinc mines. The mine begins production decades later. #mining #exploration
CM&S ramps up production of lead, zinc, and other metals for the Allied war effort. The Trail smelter becomes a critical supplier of materials for munitions and other military needs. #WWII #mining
CM&S acquires the Pine Point lead-zinc deposit in the Northwest Territories. Development begins, and the mine becomes a key asset for the company. #mining #acquisition
The company changes its name from The Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada to Cominco Ltd. to reflect its broader scope and modern identity. #corporate #history
Cominco establishes Cominco American Inc. to pursue mining opportunities in the United States, including exploration for copper, lead, and zinc. #expansion #USA
The Polaris mine in the Yukon commences production, becoming one of the world's largest zinc mines. It operates for over 30 years. #mining #production
Cominco partners with other companies to develop the Fording River coal mine in British Columbia, expanding into metallurgical coal. This diversifies the company's product base. #coal #mining
Cominco expands into oil and gas exploration through a subsidiary, seeking to diversify its energy resource portfolio. #oil #gas
Cominco acquires a controlling interest in the Highland Valley copper mine in British Columbia, one of the largest copper mines in Canada. #copper #mining
Cominco develops the Kivcet flash smelting process for lead and zinc, improving efficiency and environmental performance. This technology is licensed to other smelters worldwide. #technology #innovation
A global recession and falling metal prices lead to significant financial losses for Cominco. The company is forced to cut costs and sell non-core assets. #recession #mining
Cominco undergoes a major restructuring, selling off some mining assets and focusing on core operations in lead, zinc, and copper. The company also reduces its workforce. #restructuring #mining
Cominco discovers the Red Dog lead-zinc deposit in Alaska. It is one of the world's largest zinc deposits. Development begins later. #exploration #Alaska
Cominco and Teck Corporation begin merger discussions. The deal would create a major diversified mining company, but talks are abandoned in 1990. #merger #mining
Cominco starts construction of the Red Dog mine in Alaska, a joint venture with NANA Regional Corporation. The mine becomes a major zinc producer. #construction #mining
Cominco sells its fertilizer division to focus on metals. The sale generates cash to reduce debt and fund mining operations. #divestiture #fertilizer
Cominco completes a major expansion of the Highland Valley copper mine, increasing capacity to 130,000 tonnes of copper per year. #copper #expansion
Cominco achieves record zinc production at its Trail smelter, producing over 300,000 tonnes of zinc. The company is one of the world's largest zinc producers. #zinc #production
Cominco sells the Polaris mine to Nanisivik Mines Ltd. as part of a strategy to divest older assets and focus on newer operations. #sale #mining
Cominco and Teck Corporation announce a definitive merger agreement to create Teck Cominco Ltd. The merger is completed in 2001. #merger #mining
The merger of Cominco Ltd. and Teck Corporation is finalized, forming Teck Cominco Ltd. The combined company is a major diversified mining company with assets in base metals, coal, and oil sands. #merger #mining
Teck Cominco expands its copper operations, including the development of the Antamina copper-zinc mine in Peru. The mine becomes one of the world's largest. #copper #expansion
Teck Cominco acquires a stake in the Fort Hills oil sands project in Alberta, marking a significant move into the oil sands sector. #oil #sands
Teck Cominco acquires Aur Resources, gaining control of the Quebrada Blanca copper mine in Chile and other assets. #acquisition #copper
Teck Cominco sells a 9% stake in the Red Dog mine to NANA Regional Corporation, reducing its ownership to 82%. The mine remains a key asset. #zinc #sale
Teck Cominco acquires Fording Canadian Coal Trust for $14 billion, gaining full control of the Elk Valley coal operations. This makes Teck one of the world's largest coking coal producers. #coal #acquisition
Teck Cominco Ltd. changes its name to Teck Resources Ltd. to reflect its diversified resource portfolio beyond just mining. The Cominco name is phased out. #rebranding #mining
Teck expands its copper operations in Chile and Peru, including the development of the Relincho and Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 projects. #copper #expansion
Teck Resources undertakes a major modernization of the Trail smelter, including new zinc roasters and environmental upgrades, to maintain competitiveness. #modernization #zinc
Teck Resources sells its 100% interest in Highland Valley Copper to a joint venture between Teck and other partners, as part of a portfolio rationalization. #copper #sale
Due to low commodity prices, Teck Resources undergoes a financial restructuring, reducing debt and cutting costs. The company sells non-core assets to preserve liquidity. #finance #restructuring
Teck Resources issues $2 billion in equity and uses proceeds to reduce debt. The company also suspends its dividend to conserve cash. #equity #debt
Teck Resources approves a $400 million expansion of the Red Dog mine to extend its life to 2032. The expansion includes a new tailings facility. #zinc #expansion
Teck Resources becomes the world's second-largest seaborne exporter of coking coal. The company focuses on expanding its coal operations in British Columbia. #coal #export
Teck Resources announces a commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and invests in renewable energy projects, including solar and wind, for its mining operations. #green #energy
Teck Resources implements safety protocols and temporarily suspends operations at some mines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company also supports local communities with health funding. #pandemic #safety
Teck Resources sells its 30% interest in the Lobito smelter in Angola to a subsidiary of China Molybdenum Co., focusing on core assets. #smelter #sale
Teck Resources completes a feasibility study for a major expansion of Highland Valley Copper, aiming to increase production and extend mine life. #copper #expansion
Teck Resources announces plans to separate its coal and metals businesses into two independent companies, aiming to unlock shareholder value. The separation is completed in 2024. #corporate #restructuring
Teck Resources completes the spin-off of its coal business into a new company named Elk Valley Resources Ltd. The remaining metals-focused company retains the Teck name. This marks the end of Cominco's legacy as part of a diversified entity. #demerger #mining