Teck has reported that recent flooding has had no impact on its steel-making coal operations, but that rail links it relies on have been cut along with multiple highways between the Elk Valley and the British Columbian coastline.
Coal mined in the Elk Valley is transported to Vancouver for export, but since landslides have destroyed critical infrastructure the company has been diverting some trains to Ridley Terminals in Prince Rupert.
According to Teck, overall impact to sales will depend on how long the links to Vancouver remain compromised, with both CP and CN rail continuing to carry out repairs as of November 19.
In a release, CP Rail said that works to re-establish links between Kamloops and Vancouver “continues around the clock.”
According to CP Rail, by November 19 it had already repaired or cleared 20 sections of track in that region. The links have been broken since November 14,
“Work will continue through the weekend and, barring any unforeseen issues, we currently estimate service will be restored mid-week,” said the company.
Teck mines almost 70,000 tonnes of metallurgical coal per day, with regular trains departing from its Elk Valley operations destined for the company’s coal export terminals on the coast.
READ MORE: Teck donates $250,000 to flood relief effort
scott.tibballs@thefreepress.ca
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