Teck Trail snapshot - #5 in a series

Richard Deane, manager of energy & public affairs with Teck Metals. — Tanya Laing Gahr photo

Calling all high-tech entrepreneurs! Interestingly, Teck Trail produces over 100 metals in addition to its traditional zinc, lead and silver. Many of which could be turned in a value-added business opportunity.

Teck Trail produces many rare metals, such as indium and germanium. Many of these rare metals are used in high-tech products and technology. In fact, Teck Trail has an applied research and technology group, which employs some 50 people with research PhDs.

One company that has capitalized on Teck’s production of rare metals is nearby Firebird Technology, owned by 5N Plus. Firebird, which completed a new 40,000-square-foot facility last year, produces indium antimonide, a semiconductor used in infrared detectors, thermal imaging and astronomy equipment.

Teck Trail believes there are other rare metal production opportunities for entrepreneurial companies like Firebird Technologies.

Firebird Technologies employs over 30 people in Trail.