As exploration VP, Christopher is responsible for Teck’s global exploration efforts and overseeing active identification, pursuit and acquisition of early-stage exploration to predevelopment stage projects.

Teck said he would also be charged with developing and maintaining relationships with junior partners and the junior mining industry in general.

Christopher joined Teck’s exploration group in 1984 and most recently held the position of new ventures general manager within the miner’s corporate development group. He holds a bachelor of science honours degree in geology from McMaster University.

As business development VP, Joudrie manages identification and pursuit of external growth opportunities and corporate support to internal growth initiatives.

Joudrie will also remain in his role as general manager of Teck’s technology division CESL.

Joudrie joined Teck in 1991 and most recently held the position of business evaluations director. He has a master of business administration degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business and a bachelor of science honours degree in geology from Queen’s University.

Although Teck’s coal production was down 700,000 tonnes year-on-year to 5.7 million tonnes last quarter, the company is still planning to increase output.

Teck’s coal growth plans include the reopening of the Quintette mine in northeast British Columbia, increasing production capacity at Line Creek in southeast BC and an expansion of the Neptune bulk terminal’s throughput capacity from 9Mt to 15Mt.