Teck Resources' Highland Valley copper mine in British Columbia has been awarded the Copper Mark verification.

Teck began the verification process in November.

It is the first mine to receive the Copper Mark verification in Canada, Copper Mark executive director Michele Brulhart said.

To be verified, the mine had to meet 32 production criteria, and undergo independent assessment of these benchmarks. The criteria include greenhouse gas emissions, community health and safety, respect for Indigenous rights, and business integrity.

The verification demonstrates Highland Valley Copper's "commitment to sustainability, and to ensuring customers have the information they need on our performance as a responsible copper producer," Teck chief executive Don Lindsay said.

Teck plans to have each of its copper projects verified by Copper Mark. Teck's copper projects include the Quebrada Blanca copper mine in northern Chile, which will begin production in the second half of 2022, and Carmen de Andacollo copper mine in central Chile.

It also has an interest in the Antamina copper-zinc mine in Peru.

Other mining companies which have received the Copper Mark verification are Antofagasta, BHP, Freeport-McMoRan, Rio Tinto, and Anglo American.

Copper Mark verification is assessed every three years against updated criteria.

Teck also released its 2021 Sustainability Report, finding that the company sourced 96% of its electricity needs from renewable, non-carbon power sources.

It also decreased the carbon density of its operations by 5%. The company plans to reduce carbon intensity by 33% by 2030.