‘We have begun work according to plan and are continuing with the engineering to determine when we will begin production. We are also working on the permitting process to obtain all licences before the end of the year, including construction permits,’ said Webb.
The Zafranal project is scheduled to begin construction in 2026, according to Dale Webb, senior vice president of Latin American Operations at Teck Resources, during the PERUMIN 37 Mining Summit.
“We have begun work according to plan and are continuing with the engineering to determine when we will start production. We are also working on the permitting process to obtain all licences before the end of the year, including construction permits.
We want to start construction in 2026, once the project has been approved,” said Webb.
The executive highlighted that the initiative will require an estimated investment of US$2 billion, emphasising the importance of regulatory and social certainty to ensure the project’s success.
Webb noted that Zafranal has been working under four pillars: education, health, infrastructure, and local capacity building. ‘We work with the community to ensure that we are truly helping. In health, we support existing gaps; in infrastructure, we seek to benefit the region; and in training, we prepare the community for future construction and operation. This is a legacy we want to leave,’ he explained.
The executive also referred to the recent merger between Teck and Anglo American, which marks a new milestone in global mining. ‘It represents a big step for Teck following regulatory approval. Anglo Teck will be one of the top five producers in the world. Combining two highly reputable companies is very important,’ said Webb.
The transaction was valued at US$50 billion, positioning the new company as one of the players with the greatest technological and financial capacity in the sector.
Finally, Webb emphasised that technology will be a key focus in the development of Zafranal. ‘We are not only thinking about today’s mine, but also tomorrow’s. Revaluing processes, learning and getting the most out of technology. It is not just about having it, but about using it efficiently to maximise value. The merger is not just about bringing companies together, but about working collaboratively,’ he concluded.
