TECK Teck Resources Ltd

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Dated:  July 28, 2016

Commission File Number: 001-13184

TECK RESOURCES LIMITED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Suite 3300 – 550 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia  V6C 0B3

(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

Form 20-F ____                                           Form 40-F    X   

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ____

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ____

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the registrant's "home country"), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrant's securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrant's security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR.

 

 

 

TECK REPORTS UNAUDITED SECOND QUARTER RESULTS FOR 2016

Vancouver, BC – Teck Resources Limited (TSX: TCK.A and TCK.B, NYSE: TCK) (“Teck”) reported profit attributable to shareholders of $15 million ($0.03 per share) compared with $63 million ($0.11 per share) a year ago. Adjusted profit attributable to shareholders was $3 million, or $0.01 per share, compared with $79 million, or $0.14 per share in 2015.

“While the commodity cycle continues to be challenging, we are starting to see some positive changes in the direction of zinc and steelmaking coal prices,” said Don Lindsay, President and CEO. “We are pleased with the performance of our operations, which have continued to reduce costs while maintaining production volumes. In addition, through recent transactions, we now have no substantial bond maturities for five years.”

Highlights and Significant Items

—	Profit attributable to shareholders was $15 million and EBITDA was $468 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared with $63 million and $596 million, respectively, in the second quarter of 2015.

—	Gross profit before depreciation and amortization was $536 million in the second quarter compared with $676 million in the second quarter of 2015.

—	Cash flow from operations was $339 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared with $335 million a year ago.

—

We extended the maturity of US$1.0 billion of our US$1.2 billion revolving credit facility by two years, from June 2017 to June 2019. We also issued US$1.25 billion of five and eight-year senior unsecured notes maturing in 2021 and 2024, using the proceeds to buy back notes maturing in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

—

Our liquidity remains strong at $5.4 billion inclusive of $1.4 billion in cash at July 27, 2016 and US$3.0 billion of undrawn, committed credit facilities. Our cash balance is in line with expectations and, given current prices and exchange rates, we anticipate that we will exceed our original goal and end the year with more than $700 million.

—	We continue to achieve significant reductions of our cash unit costs at our operations. Steelmaking coal unit costs, including transportation charges, decreased to CAD$76 (US$59) per tonne in the second quarter compared with CAD$83 (US$68) per tonne a year

 

 

Reference:	Greg Waller, VP Investor Relations & Strategic Analysis	604.699.4014
	Marcia Smith, SVP Sustainability and External Affairs	604.699.4616

ago, while copper cash unit costs after by-product credits declined to US$1.34 per pound from US$1.49 per pound from a year ago.

 

—

We have reached agreements with the majority of our steelmaking coal customers for the third quarter of 2016, based on a quarterly benchmark of US$92.50 per tonne for the highest quality product, and we expect total sales in the third quarter, including spot sales, to be at least 6.8 million tonnes of steelmaking coal. We expect our realized price as compared to the current quarterly benchmark to be consistent with the typical range we normally achieve.

—	Construction of the Fort Hills oil sands project has surpassed 60% completion.

—	In early July we acquired the 2.5% minority interest stake in our Highland Valley Copper mine for $33 million. We now have a 100% interest in the mine.

—

We were named to the Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada ranking for the fourth consecutive year by media and investment research company Corporate Knights. The Best 50 ranks companies based on 12 sustainability metrics, including carbon productivity, gender leadership diversity, health and safety performance and pension fund quality.

—	We have updated our production and cash unit cost guidance for 2016 as a result of our strong first-half performance.

o

Steelmaking coal production is now expected to be 1.0 million tonnes higher and in the range of 26 to 27 million tonnes.

o

Copper production is now revised to 310,000 to 320,000 tonnes.

o

Mined zinc production is now revised to 645,000 to 665,000 tonnes, including co-product zinc production from our copper business unit.

o

Cost of sales at our steelmaking coal operations are expected to be $42 to $46 per tonne, down from $45 to $49 per tonne.

o

Copper unit costs after by-product credits are expected to be US$1.40 to US$1.50 per pound, down from US$1.50 to US$1.60 per pound.

 

This management’s discussion and analysis is dated as at July 27, 2016 and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Teck Resources Limited (“Teck”) and the notes thereto for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and with the audited consolidated financial statements of Teck and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2015. In this news release, unless the context otherwise dictates, a reference to “the company” or “us,” “we” or “our” refers to Teck and its subsidiaries. Additional information, including our annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2015, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . This document contains forward-looking statements. Please refer to the cautionary language under the heading “CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION” below.

Overview

Despite the recent modest improvements in zinc and steelmaking coal pricing, our industry continues to experience difficult business conditions and compressed operating margins, and as a result our focus continues to be on cost reduction and efficiency improvement. Partly offsetting the low commodity prices has been a stronger U.S. dollar, which has a significant positive benefit on our business, as sales of our products are denominated in U.S. dollars while a significant portion of our expenses are incurred in local currencies, particularly the Canadian dollar.

Steelmaking coal, copper and zinc prices in the second quarter were 13 %, 22 % and 12 % lower, respectively in U.S. dollar terms, compared with a year ago. Although prices were lower than a year ago, they have improved from the first quarter of 2016 with steelmaking coal prices up 11%, zinc up 14%, while copper rose slightly. The outlook for steelmaking coal prices continues to improve with the third quarter benchmark price settling at US$92.50 per tonne, up from US$84 per tonne in the second quarter of 2016. Zinc market fundamentals also continued to improve after quarter end, with current prices trading at approximately US$1.00 per pound, up 15% from the second quarter average price.

In this challenging period of low commodity prices, we continue to take measures to conserve cash and strengthen our balance sheet while continuing to focus on our strategy of developing long-life assets. Our business units have been working diligently on achieving operating cost reductions and reducing capital spending. We have reduced our sustaining capital expenditures by approximately 50% since 2013 and over the past two years we have successfully reduced cash operating unit costs in our steelmaking coal, copper and zinc business units by approximately 20 %, 30 % and 10 %, respectively. In addition, we have updated our annual guidance and expect to further reduce our cash unit costs at our steelmaking coal operations and continue to focus on cost reduction opportunities across our entire organization.

During the quarter we further strengthened our financial position with the issuance of new five and eight-year senior unsecured notes in the aggregate principal amount of US$1.25 billion. Proceeds were used to purchase notes maturing in 2017, 2018 and 2019. At the same time we extended the maturity of US$1.0 billion of our US$1.2 billion revolving credit facility by two years to June 2019. Together these transactions have significantly improved our near-term liquidity.

Construction of the Fort Hills oil sands project is progressing well and has now surpassed 60% completion. During the second quarter of 2016, wild fires in the Fort McMurray area suspended project construction for approximately four weeks. There was no damage to the Fort Hills project or any of its associated infrastructure and work on the project recommenced in early June. Despite the suspension, we still expect to produce first oil by late 2017.

 

Profit and Adjusted Profit ⁽¹⁾

Profit attributable to shareholders was $15 million, or $0.03 per share, in the second quarter compared with $63 million or $0.11 per share in the same period last year.

Adjusted profit attributable to shareholders, before items identified in the table below, was $3 million, or $0.01 per share, in the second quarter compared with $79 million or $0.14 per share in the same period last year. The decline in adjusted profit was primarily due to lower prices for our key products and partly due to lower sales volumes. These items were partly offset by reduced unit costs in each of our business units and the favourable effect of the stronger U.S. dollar.

Note:

1)	Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for further information.

In addition to the items described above, our results include various gains and losses due to changes in market prices and rates in respect of pricing adjustments, commodity derivatives, stock based compensation and the discounted value of decommissioning and restoration costs of closed mines, which totalled a $24 million charge (net) on an after-tax basis in the second quarter. We do not adjust our reported profit for these items as they occur on a regular basis.

 

Notes:

1)	Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for further information.

2)

We include 100% of production and sales from our Highland Valley Copper, Quebrada Blanca and Carmen de Andacollo mines in our production and sales volumes, even though we own 97.5% (100% as of July 5, 2016), 76.5% and 90%, respectively, of these operations, because we fully consolidate their results in our financial statements. We include 22.5% of production and sales from Antamina, representing our proportionate equity interest in Antamina.

3)	Includes 6,000 tonnes of pre-commercial production and sales volumes for Pend Oreille in the first quarter of 2015.

 

 

Note:

1)	Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for further information.

Performance

Gross profit before depreciation and amortization from our steelmaking coal business unit decreased from year ago levels, as lower realized coal prices and sales volumes more than offset the benefits of our cost reduction program and lower fuel prices.

The average realized steelmaking coal price of US$83 per tonne was 13% lower than in the second quarter of 2015. The favourable effect of a stronger U.S. dollar in the second quarter partly offset the lower steelmaking coal price, which weakened by 8% in Canadian dollar terms compared with the same period a year ago.

Second quarter production of 6.7 million tonnes was 2% higher than the same period a year ago and extended the streak of excellent production results from the mines. Sales of 6.3 million tonnes were 3% lower than the same period a year ago as a result of minor shifts in the timing of customer vessels arriving to be loaded at both the start and end of the quarter.

The table below summarizes the gross profit changes, before depreciation and amortization, in our coal business unit for the quarter:

Property, plant and equipment expenditures totaled $8 million in the second quarter. Capitalized stripping costs were $76 million in the second quarter compared with $108 million a year ago.

 

Markets

Benchmark steelmaking coal prices increased by US$3 per tonne from the first quarter to US$84 per tonne in the second quarter of 2016, but remain lower than the same period in 2015. Tighter supply following the implementation of production curtailments since 2014 and the reduction in China’s domestic coal production, coupled with improving demand in China and the rest of the world relative to the first quarter of 2016 resulted in an increase in the spot price assessments for steelmaking coal in the quarter. This ultimately led to an increase in the recently settled third quarter benchmark price. We note that our realized price of US$83 per tonne was very close to the benchmark price of US$84 per tonne for the quarter as the increase in spot price assessments was reflected in our spot priced sales. A better balance between demand and supply seems to be forming, with spot pricing reflecting that trend and gradually increasing.

Sales in the second quarter were lower than expected by the equivalent of approximately one capesize vessel due to a combination of late vessel arrivals and our refusal to conclude sales with customers bidding at opportunistically low prices. As a result, we have a solid lineup of vessels to start the third quarter. Assuming demand remains robust, we expect the third quarter to be the highest sales quarter of the year.

Steelmaking coal prices for the third quarter of 2016 have been agreed with the majority of our quarterly priced customers based on US$92.50 per tonne for the highest quality products. This is consistent with prices reportedly achieved by our competitors. Additional sales priced on a spot basis will reflect market conditions as sales are concluded.

Operations

Our Elkview, Greenhills and Line Creek mines each set new second quarter and first-half production records in 2016. In addition, unit cash production costs at the mines were 10% lower this quarter than in the second quarter of 2015 as a result of initiatives undertaken through our cost reduction program, slightly higher production rates and lower energy prices.

Consistent with our normal maintenance practices, we completed the majority of our processing plant annual maintenance shutdowns during the second quarter, with the remainder scheduled for early in the third quarter. As such, we expect higher production levels in the second half of 2016.

Our cost reduction initiatives continue to produce significant results and our primary focus in 2016 continues to be to reduce the costs of maintenance and supplies. In addition to these key areas, we also remain focused on improvements in equipment and labour productivity, reduced use of contractors, reduced consumable usage and limiting the use of higher cost equipment. However, a number of factors have partially offset the strong performance of our cost reduction program, including the effect of the stronger U.S. dollar on some inputs.

In the second quarter of 2016, we continued to experience the positive effects of lower diesel prices compared with a year ago, although they have increased relative to the first quarter of 2016. Combined with reduced usage from a number of our cost reduction initiatives and slightly shorter haul distances, diesel costs per tonne produced have decreased by 17% compared to the second quarter of 2015.

Notes:

1)	Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for further information.

2)	Does not include capitalized stripping or capital expenditures.

Our total cost of sales for the quarter also included a $ 13 per tonne charge for the amortization of capitalized stripping costs and $ 10 per tonne for other depreciation. In U.S. dollar terms, unit costs have been reduced to $32   per tonne, $ 4 per tonne lower than a year ago due to reductions in site cost of sales as shown in the Canadian dollar unit cost table and the change in exchange rates.

Outlook

We are expecting sales volumes in the third quarter of 2016 to exceed 6.8 million tonnes. Vessel nominations for quarterly contract shipments are determined by customers and final sales and average prices for the quarter will depend on product mix, market direction for spot priced sales, timely arrival of vessels, as well as the performance of the rail transportation network and port-loading facilities.

With the majority of our processing plant maintenance completed for the year and record production from a number of operations in the first half, we now expect our production in 2016 to be between 26 and 27 million tonnes. As a result of higher production levels, excellent results from our continued focus on our cost reduction programs and lower than expected diesel prices, we now expect our annual cost of product sold to be in the range of $42 to $46 per tonne (US$32 to US$35 per tonne), down from our initial guidance range of $45 to $49 per tonne.

 

Transportation costs in 2016 are now expected to be approximately $33 to $35 per tonne as the result of lower diesel prices and higher shipments (US$25 to US$27) per tonne, down from our initial guidance range of $35 to $37 per tonne.

Capitalized stripping guidance at $290 million is being maintained as we continue to move overburden in accordance with our life of mine plans. Capitalized stripping costs have declined over the past two years reflecting the same productivity gains we have achieved in operating costs.

 

Gross profit before depreciation and amortization from our copper business unit decreased by $111 million in the second quarter compared with a year ago (see table below). This was primarily due to lower realized copper prices and reduced by-product revenues, which more than offset positive effects of the stronger U.S. dollar and cost reduction efforts.

Second quarter copper production decreased by 2% from a year ago, but was 11% higher than the first quarter of 2016. Significantly higher production from Antamina, which was anticipated in the mine plan, was largely offset by lower production at Carmen de Andacollo and Quebrada Blanca. As a result of our significant cost reduction efforts at all of our operations, our cash unit costs, before by-product margins, declined by 17% to US$1.44 per pound compared with a year ago.

The table below summarizes the changes in gross profit, before depreciation and amortization, in our copper business unit for the quarter:

Capital expenditures totaled $40 million, including $19 million for sustaining capital and $19 million for new mine development related to the Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 project. Capitalized stripping costs were $35 million in the second quarter, lower than $51 million a year ago, with the reduction primarily due to lower mining costs.

Markets

LME copper prices averaged US$2.14 per pound in the second quarter of 2016, down 22% from the same quarter a year ago, but up 1.2% over the previous quarter. Copper prices remained

 

above US$2.00 per pound during the quarter with prices in June rising US$0.10 per pound during the month. Copper prices to the end of June are up 3.9% year to date, but continue to underperform other commodity prices.

Total reported exchange stocks fell 173,600 tonnes during the quarter to 0.4 million tonnes. Total reported global copper exchange stocks are now estimated to be 6.6 days of global consumption, well below the estimated 25 year average of 12 days of global consumption.

Copper consumption continues to rise globally, although at lower rates than last year. However, the recent decision in the U.K. to exit the European Union has increased the uncertainty in the region and could lead to delays in capital spending which could negatively impact copper demand in the short term. While the U.K. makes up less than 1% of global copper demand, Europe accounts for closer to 17% of global demand. Chinese demand continues to grow with CRU estimating that global consumption in the quarter was up 9.3% over the previous weak quarter and that Chinese growth was up over 16% in the second quarter after falling 23% in the first quarter. This was a result of stronger than expected construction and automotive growth, offset by manufacturing where high finished goods inventories in some sectors are still being worked off.

Low copper prices continue to affect current and future mine production. Miners continue to improve productivity to lower costs and maintain margins. Global market fundamentals over the medium and long-term remain positive as low prices and weak margins will continue to constrain production growth and future investment. Over the last two quarters, mine production has performed surprising well globally, with few unplanned disruptions to production this year.

Operations

Highland Valley Copper

Copper production was 38,700 tonnes in the second quarter or 3% lower than a year ago, due to lower copper grades and lower recoveries. Mill throughput was higher than a year ago due to reduced volumes of harder Valley pit ore and an increasing volume of softer, but lower grade, Lornex pit ore as planned. The transition to more Lornex ores will accelerate during the rest of year as the current high grade phase of the Valley pit will be exhausted in the third quarter. As previously disclosed, copper production is expected to be lower than normal as we mine a lower-grade phase of the mine before gradually recovering in 2018 and 2019. Molybdenum production in the second quarter of 900,000 pounds was the same as a year ago.

Operating costs in the second quarter declined by $44 million, or 28%, compared with the same period a year ago as a result of significant cost reduction efforts. Unit costs declined significantly compared to a year ago, but are expected to increase in the second half of the year with lower production as expected in our plans.

Antamina

Copper production in the second quarter increased by 32,600 tonnes compared with a year ago primarily as a result of higher grade and recovery and a significant increase in the amount of copper-only ore processed. The mix of mill feed in the quarter was 87% copper-only ore and 13% copper-zinc ore compared to 70% and 30%, respectively, in the same period a year ago.

Zinc production of 22,800 tonnes in the second quarter decreased by 33,600 tonnes compared with a year ago due to the reduction in copper-zinc ore processed.

Mill throughput in the second quarter decreased by 1% compared with a year ago to 14.7 million tonnes, or an average of 161,600 tonnes per day. Operating costs in the second quarter were 16% higher than a year ago due to higher copper sales volumes. We continue to make good progress on cost savings and overall site production costs in the quarter were lower than a year ago.

As anticipated in the mine plan, Antamina’s zinc production is expected to increase substantially in the second half of the year compared with the first half. However, we now expect our share of zinc production to be in the range of 40,000 to 45,000 tonnes for 2016, down from our original guidance of 48,000 to 52,000 tonnes.

Quebrada Blanca

Copper production in the second quarter decreased by 27% compared with a year ago due to lower grades, ore availability constraints and depleting supergene ore reserves.

Operating costs were US$2 million lower than a year ago as a result of lower supply costs and our continued cost reduction efforts. Mine operations continue to be restricted due to geotechnical constraints, but we plan to recommence mining in some of these areas once regulatory approval is received. In the meantime, ore supply to leaching operations is being supplemented from stockpiles, which limited impact to planned cathode production.

We continue to advance the updating of environmental permits for the existing facilities of the supergene operation and expect to have our new environmental permit approved in the third quarter. Quebrada Blanca continues to optimize the resource and mine plan based upon the lower operating cost profile and current copper price. Alternative metal recovery opportunities (secondary copper recovery) continue to be evaluated.

Carmen de Andacollo

Copper production in the second quarter decreased by 11% compared with a year ago primarily as a result of lower copper grades and lower throughput due to the processing of harder ore.

Operating costs decreased by US$9 million or 15% compared with a year ago primarily due to lower costs for operating supplies and numerous other cost reduction initiatives.

Cost of Sales

Unit cash costs of product sold in the second quarter of 2016 as reported in U.S. dollars, before cash margins for by-products, decreased by US$0.27 per pound primarily due to continued cost reduction efforts and the favourable effects of a stronger U.S. dollar. Unit costs are anticipated to increase for the balance of the year as production at Highland Valley Copper is expected to decline in the second half of 2016.

Cash margin for by-products was significantly lower compared to the same period a year ago. This was partly due to the removal of silver and gold credits at Antamina and at Carmen de Andacollo as a result of the streaming agreements that were completed in the second half of 2015, which reduced by-product credits by approximately US$0.07 per pound in the second quarter of 2016. In addition, reduced zinc sales from Antamina further decreased by-product credits by US$0.06 per pound in the second quarter of 2016 in comparison to the same period a year ago.

Notes:

1)	Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for further information.

2)	By-products includes both by-products and co-products.

Copper Development Projects

Quebrada Blanca Phase 2

During the second quarter of 2016, activities continued to focus on capital optimization and permitting for the Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 project. We expect to complete a new cost estimate later in the year as engineering on recent design changes progresses, including incorporating the new tailings facility location. We now anticipate submitting the Social and Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) for the project to the authorities in the third quarter of 2016.

NuevaUnión (formerly Project Corridor)

During the second quarter, we completed evaluations of development alternatives to further enhance the value of the project and initiated trade-off studies in advance of the pre-feasibility study which is set to start in the second half of 2016. In combination with community consultations, we expect to commence environmental baseline studies shortly.

Other Copper Projects

During the second quarter, a pre-feasibility study was completed at the Zafranal copper-gold project located in southern Peru, in which we hold a 50% interest. We are currently in discussions with our partners as to the next steps to advance the project.

Outlook

We now expect 2016 copper production to be between 310,000 to 320,000 tonnes. Production is still anticipated to decline over the next two quarters as previously announced, with the final quarter being the weakest due to significantly lower grades at Highland Valley Copper.

Based on the strong performance in the first half of the year and ongoing cost reduction efforts, we now expect our full year copper unit costs, after by-products, to decline from a range of US$1.50 to US$1.60 per pound, to US$1.40 to US$1.50 per pound.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note:

1)	Represents production and sales from Red Dog and Pend Oreille, including 6,000 tonnes of pre-commercial production and sales volume for Pend Oreille in the first quarter of 2015. Excludes co-product zinc production from our copper business unit.

Performance

Gross profit before depreciation and amortization from our zinc business unit decreased by $12 million in the second quarter (see table below). Contributing to the decreased gross profit were lower zinc prices, partially offset by the stronger U.S. dollar and cost reduction efforts.

Red Dog’s zinc production in the second quarter was similar to a year ago, while refined zinc production at Trail declined by 8% primarily due to a replenishment of in-process inventories. Refined lead production at Trail set a new quarterly record of 26,800 tonnes in the quarter.

The table below summarizes the gross profit change, before depreciation and amortization, in our zinc business unit for the quarter.

Capital expenditures include $36 million for sustaining capital in the second quarter.

Markets

LME zinc prices averaged US$0.87 per pound in the second quarter of 2016, a decrease of 12% from the same period a year ago, but an increase of 14% over the prior quarter. Zinc prices increased during the quarter from just below US$0.80 per pound early in the quarter to above US$0.95 per pound at the end of the quarter despite three large one-day deliveries of zinc metal into the LME warehouse in New Orleans.

Total reported zinc exchange stocks fell 57,050 tonnes during the quarter to 649,270 tonnes, and year to date exchange stocks are down 16,000 tonnes. Total global reported exchange stocks are estimated at 16 days of global consumption, down from the 25 year average of 23 days.

Demand for refined zinc in our key North American markets remained well supported this quarter with our customers seeing better markets, better prices and higher utilization rates after trade action reduced the high galvanized sheet imports and some plants in the U.S. remain idled. While excess zinc metal stocks still need to be worked off, metal premiums remained stable.

Stocks of both zinc metal and concentrates have continued to decline since peaking in late 2012. Zinc supply is expected to become constrained this year with mine closures now impacting spot concentrate treatment charges. Tightness in the concentrate market is starting to limit refined production, putting pressure on the market to remove additional stocks of metal from the terminal market and other off-exchange stocks. In China, mine production is down 6% or 138,000 tonnes to June 2016 compared with last year and imports of concentrates are down 33% to June, or 203,000 tonnes. At the same time, demand for refined metal remains strong with imports up 84% year to date in June or up 150,000 tonnes.

Operations

Red Dog

Zinc production in the second quarter was 1% lower than a year ago as lower mill throughput and recoveries were mostly offset by higher zinc grades. Lead production declined by 13% compared to a year ago primarily due to lower grades and recoveries. Zinc production is anticipated to decline in the second half of the year, consistent with the mine plan, due to lower ore grades.

Zinc sales volumes of 84,800 tonnes were 6% higher than the second quarter of 2015

Operating costs of US$21 million in the second quarter were slightly lower than a year ago. Capitalized stripping costs were US$9 million in the second quarter compared with US$13 million a year ago.

Trail

Despite similar throughput, refined zinc production was 8% lower compared with a year ago as in-process inventory levels were replenished following a drawn-down at the end of the first quarter. Refined lead production of 26,800 tonnes set a new quarterly production record, achieving production volumes 67% higher than a year ago. Increased lead production volumes

in 2016 were a result of improved operating reliability and higher lead inputs in the feed mix compared to last year.

Operating costs in the second quarter of $97 million were 7% lower than a year ago. Labour costs were slightly lower as a result of cost reduction initiatives and maintenance costs were lower reflecting timing and nature of maintenance shutdown work.

Sustaining capital expenditures in the quarter included $9 million for upgrades to the smelter feed building, $7 million for the water treatment plant and $9 million for various other small projects.

Pend Oreille

Mill throughput was 1,750 tonnes per day in the second quarter, or about 88% of design capacity of 2,000 tonnes per day. Pillar recovery mining increased significantly compared to 2015 providing a more stable source of ore.

Zinc production during the quarter was 6% lower than the same period last year primarily due to lower grade. Lead production was 13% lower due to lower grade and recovery.

Outlook

We now expect 2016 mined zinc production, including co-product zinc production from our copper business unit, to be between 645,000 to 665,000 tonnes. We expect Red Dog’s zinc production to be at the top-end of our guidance of 570,000 tonnes in 2016.

The Red Dog concentrate shipping season commenced on July 6 with the first vessel sailing. We expect sales of 150,000 tonnes of contained zinc in the third quarter and 190,000 tonnes in the fourth quarter, reflecting the normal seasonal pattern of Red Dog sales.

The zinc concentrate market continues to show a deficit following the closure and suspension of several large zinc mines last year. Treatment charges paid by miners to smelters continue to drop in the open market as concentrate stocks diminish. This mine production shortfall will start to affect refined metal production. Despite uncertainty in Europe following the Brexit vote, the global refined metal market is still projected to grow at approximately 3.0% per annum over the next two years. With the combination of lower supply and sustained growth, global zinc refined metal inventories are projected to continue to fall.

ENERGY BUSINESS UNIT

Fort Hills Project

There was no damage to the Fort Hills project or any of its associated regional infrastructure as a result of the wild fire in May that caused widespread damage in the Fort McMurray area of Alberta. However, construction onsite was interrupted for approximately one month. Work at the site recommenced in early June and the project has been ramped back up to planned workforce levels.

Suncor, the operator of the project, is currently assessing the impact of the wildfire interruption, including schedule mitigation strategies and expects to be in a position to provide an update on the project at the end of the year once the module programs are complete and the site has reached peak construction levels. Notwithstanding the progress to date, achievement of cost and schedule targets will depend on a number of factors including timely material deliveries and maintaining good labour productivities as the project moves through peak construction.

In the second quarter, our capital expenditures were $231 million. A weaker Canadian dollar has increased costs for the portion of plant and equipment purchased from foreign jurisdictions. Our share of Fort Hills cash expenditures in 2016 is estimated at $960 million.

Engineering is essentially complete and construction is progressing well and has surpassed 60% completion. First oil is expected near the end of 2017, with 90% of our gross planned production capacity of 180,000 barrels per day (bpd) expected within 12 months. Our share of production is expected to be 36,000 bpd (13 million barrels per year) of high-quality bitumen.

We are continuing to review options to sell diluted bitumen into the North American and overseas markets which may include the use of pipelines from Hardisty, Alberta or rail to access U.S. Gulf Coast refineries and tidewater ports.

Frontier Energy Project

The Frontier project regulatory application review continues with the provincial and federal regulators signing the joint panel agreement and appointing three members to the Frontier hearing panel. The regulatory review process is expected to continue through 2016; making 2017 the earliest a federal decision statement is expected for Frontier. Our expenditures on Frontier are limited to supporting this process. We are evaluating the future project schedule and development options as part of our ongoing capital review and prioritization process in response to current market conditions.

Wintering Hills Wind Power Facility

During the second quarter, our share of the power generation from Wintering Hills was 37 GWhs, resulting in 24,000 tonnes of CO ₂ equivalent offsets. Our share of expected power generation in 2016 is 135 GWhs, resulting in approximately 85,000 tonnes of CO ₂ equivalent offsets, although actual generation will depend on weather conditions and other factors.

OTHER OPERATING COST AND EXPENSES

Other operating expenses, net of other income, were $28 million in the second quarter compared with $21 million a year ago. We recorded various non-cash gains and losses due to changes in market prices and rates in respect of pricing adjustments, commodity derivatives, stock based compensation and the discounted value of decommissioning and restoration provisions for closed mines which totalled $32 million on a pre-tax basis ($24 million after-tax). Pricing adjustments in the second quarter included negative pricing adjustments on silver of $12 million and positive pricing adjustments on zinc and copper of $6 million and $3 million, respectively.

The table below outlines our outstanding receivable positions, provisionally valued at March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016.

Finance expense was $84 million in the second quarter, $6 million higher than a year ago. Debt interest expense increased due to the effect of the stronger U.S. dollar, as all our debt and related interest expense is U.S. dollar denominated. We expect our interest expense to rise by approximately US$65 million in 2017 as a result of our recent liability management transactions. It was offset by increased capitalized interest. In addition, fees for letters of credit issued as security for our decommissioning and restoration obligations and for certain contracted obligations described below in the financial position and liquidity section increased by $5 million.

Income and resource taxes for the second quarter were $47 million, or 80% of pre-tax profits. This rate is higher than the Canadian statutory rate of 26% as a result of resource taxes and higher rates in foreign jurisdictions. As higher rates are applied to our mining profits relative to our overhead and finance costs, our overall effective tax rate tends to rise significantly in times of lower profitability. In addition, lower tax rates on our loss from debt repurchase have contributed to a higher effective tax rate. Furthermore, the expiry of Antamina’s tax stability agreement now requires Antamina to report in Peruvian soles rather than its U.S. dollar functional currency for tax filing purposes. This will result in ongoing adjustments to our tax balances which will affect our tax provision each quarter. While these fluctuations are not expected to be significant on an overall basis, the negative adjustment this quarter had a significant effect on the effective tax rate given the magnitude of our quarterly earnings. Due to available tax pools, we are currently shielded from cash income taxes, but not resource taxes in Canada. We remain subject to cash taxes in foreign jurisdictions.

Notes:

1)	Translated at period end exchange rates.

2)	Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for further information.

3)	Our revolving credit facility requires us to maintain a debt to debt-plus-equity ratio not greater than 50%.

We maintain various committed and uncommitted credit facilities for liquidity and for the issuance of letters of credit. Our obligations under all our bank credit facilities are guaranteed by a number of our wholly owned subsidiaries on a senior unsecured basis. The only financial covenant under our bank credit agreements is the requirement for our debt to debt plus equity ratio to not exceed 50%. This ratio was 35% at June 30, 2016.

Our committed credit facilities are our US$3.0 billion revolving credit facility and US$1.2 billion revolving credit facility. In June 2016, we made certain amendments to the terms of our US$1.2 billion credit facility, including a maturity extension from June 2017 to June 2019 for US$1.0 billion of commitments. Both of our committed credit facilities received guarantees from certain of our subsidiaries. These amendments are described in Note 5(c) to our financial statements. There were no other amendments to the terms of our US$3.0 billion credit facility, which matures in July 2020.

As at June 30, there were no amounts outstanding under the US$3 billion facility and there was US$806 million of letters of credit outstanding under the US$1.2 billion facility. Of the US$806 million of letters of credit, an aggregate of US$672 million was issued in respect of long-term power purchase agreements for the Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 project and the remainder relate to certain pipeline and storage agreements for our Fort Hills project.

In addition to our two revolving committed credit facilities, we also maintain uncommitted bilateral credit facilities with various banks and with Export Development Canada for the issuance of letters of credit, primarily to support our future reclamation obligations. At June 30,

 

2016, these facilities totaled $1.65 billion and outstanding letters of credit issued thereunder were $1.5 billion. In connection with an update to the Red Dog closure plan, we expect a US$135 million increase in the financial assurance required by the State of Alaska in the third quarter. We have ample undrawn capacity under our committed credit facilities to address this new requirement. We may be required to post additional security in respect of reclamation at other sites in future periods as regulatory requirements change and closure plans are updated.

Operating Cash Flow

Cash flow from operations was $339 million in the second quarter compared with $335 million a year ago.

Changes in working capital items resulted in a use of cash of $109 million in the second quarter compared with $170 million a year ago. The increase in working capital in each quarter was primarily due to the seasonal buildup of supply inventories at Red Dog and higher receivables and inventory levels at other operations due to timing of shipments.

Investing Activities

Expenditures on property, plant and equipment were $325 million in the second quarter, similar to $329 million a year ago. Included in the spending was $231 million for the Fort Hills oil sands project, $62 million on sustaining capital, $19 million for Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 and $8 million on major enhancement projects. The largest components of sustaining expenditures were $25 million at Trail and approximately $12 million each at Red Dog and Antamina. Major enhancement expenditures included approximately $3 million at our coal operations.

Capitalized stripping expenditures were $122 million in the second quarter compared with $175 million a year ago. The majority of this item constitutes the advancement of pits for future production at our coal mines.

During the quarter we received proceeds of $89 million for the sale of assets including $60 million for the sale of royalties of exploration and development projects.

The table below summarizes our year-to-date capital spending for 2016:

 

Financing Activities

In June 2016, we issued US$650 million of senior unsecured notes due June 2021 with a coupon of 8.00% and US$600 million of senior unsecured notes due June 2024 with a coupon of 8.50%. These notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by various wholly owned subsidiaries of Teck and are described in Note 5(a) to our financial statements.

The net proceeds from these issuances and available cash were used to finance the purchase of US$1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of our outstanding notes pursuant to cash tender offers. The purchased notes comprise US$266 million of 3.15% notes due 2017, US$284 million of 3.85% notes due 2017, US$478 million of 2.50% notes due 2018 and US$222 million of 3.00% notes due 2019. The notes tender offer is described in Note 5(b) to our financial statements.

OUTLOOK

We are seeing some recent improvements in market conditions for zinc and steelmaking coal. While pricing is improving, pricing levels remain low generally, limiting investment in future production and expansion. Commodity markets have historically been volatile, prices can change rapidly and customers can alter shipment plans. This can have a substantial effect on our business. We are also significantly affected by foreign exchange rates. In the last twelve months, the U.S. dollar quarterly average has strengthened by approximately 8% against the Canadian dollar, which has had a positive effect on the profitability of our Canadian operations and translation of profits from our foreign operations. It will, to a lesser extent, put upward pressure on the portion of our operating costs and capital spending that is denominated in U.S. dollars.

Our labour agreements at the Elkview and Fording River mines have expired and the agreement for Highland Valley Copper will also expire at the end of the third quarter. Negotiations are underway at Elkview and Fording River, and will get underway at Highland Valley Copper in the third quarter.

 

(1)	All production estimates are subject to change based on market and operating conditions.

(2)

The effect on our profit attributable to shareholders and on EBITDA of commodity price and exchange rate movements will vary from quarter to quarter depending on sales volumes. Our estimate of the sensitivity of profit and EBITDA to changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rate is sensitive to commodity price assumptions.

(3)	Based on a US$1/tonne change in benchmark premium steelmaking coal price.

(4)	Zinc includes 295,000   tonnes of refined zinc and 655,000 tonnes of zinc contained in concentrate.

Cash Unit Costs

As a result of our continued cost reduction initiatives, we have revised our annual estimated cash production unit costs downward. The revised unit cost ranges are noted in the table below.

Foreign Exchange and Debt Revaluation

The sales of our products are denominated in U.S. dollars, while a significant portion of our expenses are incurred in local currencies, particularly the Canadian dollar and the Chilean peso. Foreign exchange fluctuations can have a significant effect on our operating margins, unless such fluctuations are offset by related changes to commodity prices.

Our U.S. dollar denominated debt is subject to revaluation based on changes in the Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rate. As at June 30, 2016, $5.4 billion of our U.S. dollar denominated debt is designated as a hedge against our foreign operations that have a U.S. dollar functional currency. As a result, any foreign exchange gains or losses arising on that amount of our U.S. dollar debt are recorded in other comprehensive income, with the remainder being charged to profit.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES

We hold a number of financial instruments and derivatives which are recorded on our balance sheet at fair value with gains and losses in each period included in other comprehensive income and profit for the period as appropriate. The most significant of these instruments are marketable securities, metal-related forward contracts including those embedded in our silver and gold streaming agreements, and settlements receivable and payable and prepayment rights on certain long-term debt notes. Some of our gains and losses on metal-related financial instruments are affected by smelter price participation and are taken into account in determining royalties and other expenses. All are subject to varying rates of taxation depending on their nature and jurisdiction.

Note:

1)	Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for further information.

OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA

As at July 27, 2016 there were 567.0 million Class B subordinate voting shares and 9.4 million Class A common shares outstanding. In addition, there were 24.0 million director and employee stock options outstanding with exercise prices ranging between $4.15 and $58.80 per share. More information on these instruments and the terms of their conversion is set out in Note 22 of our 2015 audited financial statements.

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Any system of internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. There have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

In preparing consolidated financial statements, management makes estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses across all reportable segments. Management makes estimates that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our estimates are based on historical experience and other factors we consider to be reasonable, including expectations of future events. Critical accounting estimates are those that could affect the consolidated financial statements materially, are highly uncertain and where changes are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Our critical accounting estimates that have a risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next year include the recoverable amounts of long-lived assets, fair value of embedded derivatives associated with streaming transactions, estimated recoverable reserves and resources and the valuation of other assets and liabilities such as decommissioning and restoration provisions and the accounting for income taxes. These critical accounting estimates are consistent with those outlined in more detail in our 2015 annual consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis.