Indigenous chief threatens Teck-Anglo merger deal

[Open pit mine in the USA]
Pgiam/E+ via Getty Images

A First Nations leader in Canada's British Columbia said Thursday he is concerned the proposed merger between Teck Resources (NYSE:TECK [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TECK]) and Anglo American (OTCQX:AAUKF [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/AAUKF]) (OTCQX:NGLOY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NGLOY]) will ignore indigenous rights [https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/company-news/2025/09/18/bc-chief-raises-concerns-about-teck-anglo-mergers-effect-on-first-nations/] and cannot be completed without indigenous inclusion.

Chief Clarence Louie of the Osooyos Indian Band said he would bring political and legal challenges unless the companies consult with them over Teck's (NYSE:TECK [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TECK]) expansion plans for the Trail smelter in southern British Columbia.

Teck (TECK [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TECK]) and Anglo (OTCQX:AAUKF [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/AAUKF]) (OTCQX:NGLOY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NGLOY]) have committed ~$4.5B in spending in Canada over five years as part of the proposed merger, and a significant portion already has been announced by Teck, including as much as $750M to add copper and zinc refining to the Trail smelter, which currently handles zinc and lead.

Louie said Teck (TECK [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TECK]) has not meaningfully talked to the Osooyos group about the proposed merger and investments for the Trail operations, which have faced past complaints about pollution.

The indigenous community has "experienced significant impacts without any benefit" during the century the smelter has operated, Louie said, calling the proposal to expand the operations without consulting First Nations "unconscionable."

Louie said efforts are underway to meet Teck (TECK [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TECK]) CEO Jonathan Price within weeks, after a previous meeting was canceled.

MORE ON TECK RESOURCES

* Teck Resources And Anglo American: Joint Growth With Synergies [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4822894-teck-resources-and-anglo-american-joint-growth-with-synergies]
* Teck Resources May Be In Play With A Lackluster Merger Bid [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4821003-teck-resources-may-be-in-play-with-lackluster-merger-bid]
* Teck Resources: Anglo American-Teck Merger Of Equals Conference Call Transcript [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4820974-teck-resources-limited-teck-b-ca-m-and-a-call-transcript]