Talon Metals staff are energized about the importance of developing their nickel project

Talon Metals is headquartered in tiny Tamarack, population 62.

The project is bringing in 80 people to the work sites, which include the drilling and the core shed areas.

Earlier this month, the Department of Defense entered into an agreement with the company to accelerate and expand their efforts to develop domestic nickel.

The agreement calls for a $20 million dollar investment into the Tamarack Nickel Project, and then Talon also provides $21 million in matching funds.

Jessica Johnson, the Director of Community and Government Relations, said, “I think what this funding really means is that finding a domestic source of critical minerals is of national importance right now.”

It will mean they can expand their team and add more technology.

Drilling is going on 24/7. The goal is to start construction in 2026 of the underground mine. Processing of the minerals is planned for North Dakota.

That difference with the processing is likely why the project has faced fewer hurdles than the others in Minnesota, which include Twin Metals and PolyMet.

But Johnson said it’s also about timing as well. And they are encouraging people to submit comments and be involved in the process.

Talon Metals submitted their EAW to the state in June. The company also has an agreement with Tesla.

Also, Talon Metals CEO Henri van Rooyen is participating in the International Energy Agency’s inaugural Critical Minerals Conference in Paris on Thursday.

For more info about Talon: https://talonmetals.com/

To check out the DNR’s page about the project: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/environmentalreview/tamarack-nickel-project.html