Central ND News

Gov. Kelly Armstrong participated in a signing ceremony celebrating Talon Metals' acquisition of a site for its proposed Beulah Minerals Processing Facility. The facility is planned on the former Westmoreland Mining coal mine near Beulah and will process high-grade nickel and copper ore from the Tamarack mine in Minnesota, among other sources, to produce minerals for batteries.

“By processing domestically sourced nickel and copper for batteries right here in North Dakota, we will strengthen the U.S. supply chain, reduce our reliance on foreign sources and enhance our economic and national security,” Armstrong stated. He also commended Talon Metals for collaborating with Westmoreland to secure a site with existing infrastructure and acknowledged local leaders, the congressional delegation, and the North Dakota Department of Commerce for their significant role in selecting Beulah as the project location.

Talon announced plans for this facility in Mercer County back in October 2022. The project is supported by nearly $115 million from a U.S. Department of Energy grant and represents a total investment of up to $365 million. It is expected to create up to 150 jobs related to mineral processing for batteries, along with additional construction jobs.