Talon Metals, through its wholly owned subsidiary Talon Nickel (USA), has secured a site currently owned by Westmoreland Mining as the future location of its Beulah Minerals Processing Facility in North Dakota.
Talon and Westmoreland have signed an option agreement for Talon to secure a 256-acre portion of a former coal mine site near Beulah, and the associated 7-mile rail spur for the development of the processing facility.
“The Beulah Minerals Processing Facility is a game-changer for both North Dakota and the nation. By establishing a domestic supply chain for critical minerals, we are strengthening America’s economic and national security, while creating good-paying jobs right here in Mercer County,” said Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.).
“We worked with the Department of Energy to secure $115 million to help move Talon’s project forward, reducing our reliance on China for these increasingly important minerals and positioning the U.S. as a leader in critical mineral processing.”
The facility will receive high-grade nickel and copper ore from Talon’s proposed Tamarack mine in Minnesota and other potential sources across North America. It is also expected to operate in symbiosis with adjacent coal-fired power stations by potentially utilizing fly ash for innovative tailings management, creating a model for responsible redevelopment of legacy coal infrastructure.
Talon expects up to 150 direct jobs and hundreds more during construction of the facility. Targeted start of construction is 2027.
Source: Talon Metals