The Red Dog mine is the largest critical minerals mine in the United States. Credit: Teck Resources
Teck Resources (TSX: TECK.A/TECK.B) is said to be weighing up options to expand its production of germanium, a strategic metal used in chipmaking, a company representative told Reuters on Friday.
According to Doug Brown, Teck’s VP of communications and government affairs, the miner is currently in funding talks with both the Canadian and US governments to improve its germanium production capabilities.
Germanium is one of 50 minerals identified by the US Geological Survey that are critical to America’s economy and national security. The metal is used to make semiconductors and infrared technology, as well as fibre optic cables and solar cells.
China currently controls around 60% of the global supply. Since last year, it has restricted exports of the mineral to the US amid growing trade tensions…
