Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.B, NYSE: TECK) will supply Olympic training facilities in Calgary and Toronto with copper to help reduce the spread of infectious disease.
Copper is known to have antibacterial properties that kills bacteria, as well as antiviral properties. High-touch surfaces that are coated with copper may dramatically reduce the survival of bacteria and viruses on those surfaces and reduce the chance of transmission.
Teck is not only B.C.’s biggest copper producer, it also happens to be the Official Mining, Metals and Minerals Partner for the Canadian Olympic Committee.
In partnership with the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute (COPSI),Teck will donate $200,000 to have copper added to high-touch surfaces and fixtures in training facilities where Canadian Olympic athletes train, including dumbbell handles, exercise equipment and door handles.
“We hope this project will showcase the value of built environments within exercise spaces to help reduce the spread of infection on shared touch surfaces,” said Gary Davies, CEO Canadian Sport Institute Calgary.
"Using antimicrobial copper at national athlete training facilities is another important step forward as we work to enhance safety through our Copper and Health program,” said Teck CEO Don Lindsay.
“We are proud to partner with the COPSI Network and test this initiative in Calgary and in Ontario to support the health and wellness of Canada’s top athletes, coaches and support staff.”
Two training facilities, one in Calgary and one in Toronto, will be outfitted with copper fixtures and surfaces in a trial to test the feasibility of retrofitting all COPSI Network training facilities in Canada.
