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Teck's Highland Valley Copper Output Reduced as Workers Strike
Teck Resources' Highland Valley Copper mine in British Columbia is operating at reduced capacity following a strike by unionized workers. The dispute involves approximately 1,200 employees, with the extent of potential copper production losses still uncertain.
By Paul Ploumis
Published: October 26, 2026
Strike commenced: October 24, 2026
Key Points
- Production disrupted: Highland Valley Copper continues operating at reduced capacity following an October 24 strike.
- Workforce: United Steelworkers Local 7619 represents approximately 1,200 employees.
- Labour dispute: Negotiations remain unresolved over wages, pensions and workforce-related concerns.
- Production impact: Teck has not quantified the losses and says the eventual effect depends on the strike's duration.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): Teck Resources Limited has confirmed that strike action at its Highland Valley Copper mine in British Columbia began on Saturday, October 24, 2026, forcing the operation to continue at reduced capacity.
The labour disruption followed unsuccessful negotiations between Teck and United Steelworkers (USW) Local 7619, which represents approximately 1,200 employees at the mine near Logan Lake, British Columbia.
Teck said the eventual impact on copper production would depend on the duration of the strike. The company has not disclosed the extent of any production losses or provided an estimate of how much output could be affected.
Strike Begins After Collective Agreement Talks Fail
The strike began after a 72-hour notice issued by USW Local 7619 expired without the parties reaching a new collective agreement.
The previous agreement expired on September 30, 2026. The union formally served strike notice on October 20, with labour action authorized to begin at 8 a.m. Pacific Time on October 24.
Negotiations have centred on compensation, retirement benefits and employment conditions.
The union is seeking improved wages and pension provisions. It has also raised concerns about the mine's ability to recruit and retain skilled employees, particularly in the trades, amid staffing shortages.
According to the union's October 21 statement, all 944 members who participated in the strike mandate vote supported taking strike action.
The union has maintained that competitive compensation and retirement benefits are necessary to support the operation's long-term workforce requirements.
Teck, meanwhile, has emphasized the importance of reaching a collective agreement that is fair to employees while supporting the mine's continued viability.
Production Losses Remain Uncertain
Highland Valley Copper continues operating at reduced capacity under contingency arrangements established by Teck.
The company said its immediate operational priorities include maintaining safety and environmental management throughout the labour disruption.
However, Teck has not identified which production activities have been curtailed or disclosed a specific estimate of lost copper output.
The eventual production impact will depend on how long the strike continues and the operating conditions maintained during the work stoppage.
ScrapMonster Edge: Why Highland Valley Copper Matters
The labour disruption affects an established Canadian copper operation with significant annual production and an approved long-term expansion project.
According to Teck's published operating and financial disclosures:
- 2025 copper production: 127,100 metric tons.
- 2026 production guidance: 115,000–135,000 metric tons, reaffirmed in July 2026 before the strike.
- Mine life extension: The approved project is designed to extend operations from 2028 through 2046.
These figures establish the scale of the operation but should not be interpreted as an estimate of strike-related production losses.
The key uncertainty is how much production can be maintained during the labour action and whether the disruption affects Teck's previously issued annual operating expectations.
Strike Comes During Major Mine Expansion
The labour action comes as Teck advances its Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension project, which received approval to proceed in July 2025.
The project is intended to extend the operation's life through 2046, with average annual copper production estimated at approximately 132,000 metric tons over the extended mine life.
The expansion adds longer-term significance to the labour dispute, particularly given the union's concerns about attracting and retaining the skilled workforce required to operate the mine.
However, neither Teck's October 24 announcement nor the available union statement provides a quantified assessment of how the strike may affect the expansion schedule.
Teck Reiterates Commitment to Negotiations
Teck has reiterated its commitment to securing a negotiated settlement with USW Local 7619.
The company said it remains focused on reaching an agreement that addresses employee interests while supporting the operation's long-term viability.
Reuters reported that the United Steelworkers had not immediately responded to a request for comment on Saturday.
As of Teck's October 24 update, no agreement had been announced, and the company had not provided a timetable for restoring normal production.
Teck is scheduled to report its third-quarter 2026 financial results on October 29. Those results cover the period ended September 30, before the strike began, although any subsequent management commentary may provide additional information about the disruption.
