The Financial Post reports in its Thursday edition that Teck Resources has received an environmental assessment certificate from the B.C. government to extend the life of the Highland Valley copper mine. A Canadian Press dispatch to the Post quotes Teck saying in a release that the positive decision supports the extension for Canada's largest copper mine. The mine is located about 50 kilometres southwest of Kamloops in the B.C. Interior. Teck president Jonathan Price said site preparation work is expected to start shortly along with work to secure additional required permits, with a final construction decision by Teck's board expected later this year. The company says the project is expected to create roughly 2,900 jobs during construction and support 1,500 jobs once in operation. Teck closed Wednesday at $52.42, down 11 cents on the Toronto Stock Exchange.