Anyone who has ever driven past the huge mine operation at Highland Valley Copper near Logan Lake and wanted a closer look at what goes on there has a golden opportunity over the B.C. Day long weekend.
On Sunday, Aug. 4 Teck is holding an open house from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the site just off Highway 97C. The free family event showcases many aspects of Highland Valley Copper, and also features hot dogs and refreshments, children’s entertainment, and an appearance by Uncle Chris the Clown.
There will be four varieties of tours of the mining operation, which are open to all ages (although there are some age restrictions depending on the nature of the tour). There will be exhibit booths showcasing the different departments at the mine, and displays of some of the equipment used at the site.
Community partners will be there with interactive booths, and fundraising games will benefit the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation. In 2022 Teck contributed $2.5 million to the new “Teck Emergency Department” at Royal Inland, which will feature the installation of innovative antimicrobial copper surfaces and equipment to help protect patients and health care workers.
Copper has unique antimicrobial properties, and has proven to be effective in eliminating up to 99.9 per cent of harmful bacteria within two hours of contact. When installed in high-touch, high-traffic locations, copper can help reduce the spread of infectious disease. Research has shown that every year patients in Canada contract infections in health care settings, and copper’s antimicrobial properties are a proven tool to help minimize this risk.
Don’t miss the Mine Rescue demonstrations. Mine rescue has been an important part of Highland Valley for many years, with surface mine rescue teams from the site regularly competing in — and bringing home awards from — the annual Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition.
At the 2023 competition, the surface mine rescue team from Highland Valley was the Best Overall winner, and also took home the HVC Highest Non-Aggregate Points Trophy, the Levitt-Safety Fire Trophy (Surface), and the East Kootenay Mines Industrial Safety Association Mine Rescue Memorial Trophy (Best Team Rope Task).
No advance booking is required for any of the events. Attendees should bring a refillable water bottle with them, and as the site is an industrial setting, no open-toed footwear is allowed. Please leave pets at home.
For more information email HVC.Feedback@teck.com or call 1-855-523-3429.
