Yes, Teck can get 75% of Schaft Creek for "free" but there is still plenty of risk in developing the project. Costs can change dramtically and quickly, as can be seen by recent gold miners. First Nations and Environmental issues can arise throughout the development phase.

Teck has certain needs right now and buying a deposit that will go into production in 2020 is probably not one of them. They seem to indicate that they would like to buy a producing mine. Sure, securing SC would probably be a prudent long term move but is that their best use of their cash at the moment?