Teck is looking to add EV batteries to its recycling operations, which already include lead batteries, zinc alkaline batteries and CRT glass. | Sergii Chernov/Shutterstock
Teck Resources, one of the few remaining end markets for CRT glass in the Americas, is considering building an electric vehicle recycling plant.
The project would be located near Teck’s smelter in Trail, British Columbia, which began bringing in CRT glass in 2006.
According to local media, Teck spokesperson Chris Stannell said the battery recycling project is still in the exploratory phase and “Teck Trail Operations is currently evaluating the potential development of an electric vehicle battery recycling facility, which could create local benefits for the Trail community while supporting Teck’s climate action efforts and the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy.”
The facility, if built, would “process dismantled EV batteries to recover valuable critical minerals,” Stannell noted.
Teck already recycles lead batteries, zinc alkaline batteries and CRT glass. According to its most recent sustainability report, Teck recycled 72 million pounds of all material types at the Trail facility in 2022.
The company said more details will become available as studies move ahead.
Volumes of CRT glass in the end-of-life stream have been declining in recent years as electronic technology changed, leading to the closure of many dedicated CRT processing facilities. At one time, the Teck Trail smelter planned a major expansion to consume more CRT glass, but it was ultimately canceled.