Canada’s Largest Diversified Mining Company to Deploy ESRI Software Worldwide to Centrally Manage Geographic Data, Increase Efficiencies and Reduce Costs

VANCOUVER – March 8, 2010 – ESRI Canada today announced that Teck Resources Limited (“Teck”) has selected ESRI as its platform for building a global enterprise geographic information system (GIS).  Through a three-year enterprise license agreement (ELA), Teck will deploy ESRI technology throughout the organization to support the company’s exploration projects, diverse business units and numerous operations.

Teck is a Vancouver-based producer of copper, metallurgical coal and zinc, molybdenum and specialty metals, with interests in several oil sands development assets.  It operates 13 mines in Canada, United States, Chile and Peru, and has active exploration projects in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and Africa.  The company’s exploration group has used ESRI technology for more than 15 years to assist in identifying potential mineral deposits around the world.  

In recent years, ESRI technology has been an integral part of Teck’s spatial data management with focus on geological compilations, topographical modeling, mineral resource targeting, asset management, 3D visualization and environmental analysis.  Recognizing the opportunity to utilize a number of advanced analytical tools in conjunction with the significant time savings and efficiencies from using GIS, Teck wanted to extend the system to users in all departments across multiple jurisdictions.

With the ELA, Teck has gained unlimited access to ESRI ArcGIS technology, a robust platform for managing vast amounts of geographic information.  The integrated software suite helps users to easily compile, analyze, interpret, visualize and share geospatial data on desktops, servers, mobile devices and across the Web.  ArcGIS is interoperable and has enabled Teck to connect spatial data with other enterprise applications such as those used for resource calculations, mine planning, land tenure administration and document management.  This functionality has provided Teck’s staff with the ability to accurately and efficiently access information, enhance decision-making capabilities and maximize opportunities.

“Businesses are increasingly moving towards enterprise GIS deployments to improve their operations and achieve economies of scale,” said James Wickson, Vice President of Sales and Professional Services, ESRI Canada.  “Through our enterprise license program, customers can affordably expand their use of ESRI technology to implement a full enterprise GIS that will increase collaboration and enable their entire organization to leverage the power of geography.”

For more information on ESRI Canada’s ELA program, contact your nearest ESRI Canada Regional Office.

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ESRI Canada at PDAC 2010:  Join us at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) International Convention, Trade Show & Investors Exchange being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from March 7 - 10, 2010, where we will exhibit  how ESRI technology can be utilized for international exploration and mine development activities.  

GIS in Mining Seminar:  On Tuesday, March 9, ESRI Canada will host a complimentary half-day seminar at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto that will feature ESRI customer presentations on how they use GIS to improve mining and exploration workflows.  Dave Donaldson will present on “Enterprise Spatial Data Management,” highlighting the usage of ESRI technology within Teck Resources Limited.  To register, visit: www.esricanada.com/events/miningseminar.  

About ESRI Canada
Founded in 1984, ESRI Canada provides enterprise geographic information system (GIS) solutions that empower businesses, governments, and educational institutions to make timely, informed and mission critical decisions by leveraging the power of geography.    The company distributes the world's leading GIS software from ESRI, Telvent Miner & Miner, Azteca Systems, and other technology partners.  Headquartered in Toronto, the company serves over 10,000 customers from 16 regional offices across Canada.  Information about ESRI Canada can be found at www.esricanada.com.   

Media contact:
Joy Chan
PR Specialist
ESRI Canada
+1 (416) 386-6488
jchan@esricanada.com
www.esricanada.com