Peace Garden News

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer joined Talon Metals in Beulah, North Dakota, to mark the acquisition of a former Westmoreland Mining site for the development of the Beulah Minerals Processing Facility (BMPF). This facility aims to become the most advanced nickel and copper processing plant globally.

The BMPF will process nickel and copper using ore from a Talon mine in Minnesota and fly ash from Mercer County's coal-fired power stations. The processed nickel concentrate will be used in electric vehicle (EV) battery cathodes, while fly ash will aid in neutralizing and hardening tailings. Tesla will utilize the nickel concentrate and other byproducts such as cobalt and iron for its EV batteries.

Senator Cramer, who serves on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) and Armed Services Committees, spoke at the signing ceremony. He emphasized, "You could not over exaggerate the significance of today, or the significance of what's about to happen at the Westmoreland site," highlighting its economic impact on national security and supply chain development.

In 2023, Talon Metals received nearly $115 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through the U.S. Department of Energy for this project. Talon will contribute nearly $320 million as recipient cost share. The initiative includes workforce training in Mercer County with job opportunities for local communities and tribal members. Additionally, Talon was awarded over $20 million by the U.S. Department of Defense under Defense Production Act funding to enhance domestic nickel exploration.

Senator Cramer has been a strong proponent of domestic critical minerals production, advocating for American labor standards and reducing dependency on countries like China. He co-authored a bipartisan letter with Senator Tina Smith expressing concerns over a potential free trade agreement with Indonesia regarding nickel procurement. In 2022, he supported Talon's application to then-DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm.