Published: October 16, 2025 |

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Teck Resources is in talks with the United States and Canada to supply minerals critical to their defense industries, if both governments agree to provide support such as minimum prices and purchase guarantees.

On Friday, chief executive Jonathan Price said the Vancouver-based miner is negotiating potential supply deals for germanium, antimony and gallium as western nations face tightening export controls from China.

The discussions come as the company weighs extending the life of its Red Dog zinc mine in Alaska, which produces germanium as a byproduct.

Price said that Teck could meet all of North America’s germanium needs and potentially those of the entire G7. He also said the company was in active conversations about price floors and possible stockpiling arrangements with both governments.

The talks follow China’s announcement of new export restrictions on rare earth metals and permanent magnets, which are vital to high-tech and defense applications. Consequently, prices for germanium — used in thermal imaging systems found in fighter jets and other military equipment — have climbed to their highest level in at least 14 years.

Teck is the world’s fourth-largest producer of germanium and currently produces a small amount of antimony. However, the company could significantly increase output of both minerals, and add gallium production, by reconfiguring its processing operations. Price said China has used its market dominance as “a coercive tool in trade relationships,” intensifying efforts by western governments to secure domestic supply chains.

UNITED STATES SEEKS REDUCTION ON FOREIGN RELIANCE FOR REE

The United States has recently taken equity stakes in several mining companies to reduce reliance on Chinese materials. Price said he did not believe direct government investment was necessary in Teck’s case. However, he welcomed broader cooperation on strategic minerals.

Meanwhile, Price addressed a recent production downgrade at Teck’s flagship copper operation in Chile, Quebrada Blanca. He said he accepted full responsibility for the guidance cut and had taken a more hands-on approach to overseeing operations.

Despite the setback, Price emphasized that the intrinsic value of the Chilean mine remained strong. He added that recent operational issues were being closely managed and that Teck’s long-term position in copper remained secure.

The United States has taken several steps to reduce its reliance on Chinese rare earth elements and other critical minerals. Through the FAST-41 program — short for Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, Title 41 — Washington has fast-tracked permitting for key mining and processing projects that support national security and clean energy goals.

Additionally, the U.S. government has begun taking minority stakes in strategic mineral producers. Earlier this year, it acquired a 10 percent interest in Lithium Americas to secure long-term supplies of lithium for electric vehicle batteries.

Meanwhile, several North American companies are positioning themselves to benefit from this policy shift. NevGold for instance, has been highlighting its potential to produce antimony. Antimony is a metal used in ammunition and semiconductor manufacturing.

Source: Mugglehead Magazine

September of 2025, Anglo American and Teck Resources entered into an agreement to merge in $53 billion deal, create Anglo Teck Group

Teck is a leading Canadian resource company focused on responsibly providing metals essential to economic development and the energy transition. Teck has a portfolio of world-class copper and zinc operations across North and South America and an industry-leading copper growth pipeline. We are focused on creating value by advancing responsible growth and ensuring resilience built on a foundation of stakeholder trust. Teck is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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