This may be what Teck is envisoning for Highland Valley?

I doubt that very much; I didn't see TECK put anything in writing to consider Whittle pits at Highland Valley.

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So you think they are going to move the new mill and infratructure to the other side of the valley when they open a pit over there?!?

The "Whittle" type of mining is multi pit/single mill mining. Read youngmoney's links - it explains it. Its all about spreading the operating costs/infrastructure over multiple pits. Cost effective, efficient mining for large projects with more than one pit.

The friend that actually works there says that will be the plan - but I guess you know more about Highland Valley operations and future plans...