Hi YN.

tck acknowledges Highland Valley (HV) is lower grade at this stage of mine life, but what is to their advantage is the very large reserve remaining, and the fact so much of the infrastructure is already in place to justify the cost and recent large upgrade expenditure.

At one time, there was talk that SC would benefit from a reduced dependency on Tck's HV, i.e. manpower, equipment, etc. I dont know if that's going to happen for awhile, but it could be a reality in manpower and equipment exchange once Tck gives the green lite for SC production.

Teck does have a potential labour pool with their soon to close Duck Pond mine in eastern Canada - this will occur well before SC would be in production though.

glta

jaf