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 to be located on the former Westmoreland Mining coal mine near Beulah, North Dakota. This event marks an important step forward in the development of the plant, which aims to process high-grade nickel and copper ore from Minnesota's Tamarack mine and other potential 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," stated Armstrong. He further acknowledged Talon's collaboration with Westmoreland to secure a site with existing infrastructure, along with local leaders, congressional delegation, and the North Dakota Department of Commerce for their crucial role in selecting Beulah as the project location.

Talon announced its 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. With a total investment reaching up to $365 million, it is expected to create up to 150 jobs focused on processing critical minerals for batteries alongside construction employment opportunities.