Teck’s Trail operation had a gross profit of $258 million in the first quarter of this year.
Earnings statements published by the company show that amount is compared to an $80-million gross profit during the first quarter of 2025 and $105 million in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The local figures contributed to a company-wide gross profit before depreciation and amortization of $2.2 billion, up from $929 million in the first three months of last year.
The company attributed its improved profitability in Trail to “continued focus on cash flow generation including through our optimized feed strategy.”
Refined zinc production in Trail during the first quarter was 73,800 tonnes, which was up 15,500 tonnes compared to the same time last year. Teck says this was due to its zinc electrolytic plant running at full capacity for most of the quarter.
Refined lead production was 23,300 tonnes, which was 300 tonnes higher than during the same period of last year.
“Our continued focus at Trail has been on improving its profitability and cash generation through prioritizing processing of residues over maximizing refined zinc production,” the company wrote in its statement.
“Processing residues enables us to reduce concentrate purchase volumes in the low treatment charge environment, improving profitability.”
The company said it also benefitted from higher zinc prices and higher by-product revenue related to silver and germanium, although production levels were consistent with last year. Teck said it is exploring options to increase germanium production.
Operating costs in the first quarter in Trail stood at $154 million, up from $143 million during the same period last year, due to increased contractor and maintenance costs.
Teck also said it plans a maintenance shutdown of its lead plant in the second quarter of this year. As a result, it expects lower production of lead and by-products, although it says the impact on zinc production should be minimal.
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