Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven has announced the acquisition of a site for the Beulah Minerals Processing Facility in North Dakota. Talon Metals has secured an agreement with Westmoreland Mining to acquire approximately 256 acres and a 7-mile rail spur from the former Beulah Mine after a three-month due diligence period.

The project represents a significant investment in the region, with an expected total investment of up to $365 million and the creation of up to 150 jobs. It is supported by a nearly $115 million grant that Senator Hoeven helped secure from the U.S. Department of Energy.

The facility will process raw ore from Minnesota's Tamarack nickel mine into "battery-grade nickel," aiming to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign critical minerals, particularly those sourced from countries like China and Russia. Additionally, Talon Metals has received a $2.5 million award for researching enhanced nickel recovery methods, funded through the Department of Defense's Defense Logistics Agency.

Local coal producers are also set to benefit as Talon plans to procure coal residuals from facilities such as Coyote Station. The company is exploring using fly ash to create a cement replacement product, potentially reducing waste storage at the site.

Senator Hoeven remarked, "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."

Talon CEO Henri van Rooyen expressed gratitude for Senator Hoeven's support, stating that his efforts have been crucial in advancing North Dakota's leadership in energy and mineral development.

This announcement aligns with Senator Hoeven's broader efforts to establish a fully-domestic U.S. battery supply chain, which includes supporting companies like Packet Digital. This company is expanding operations in North Dakota thanks to partnerships established with branches of the military such as the Navy, Air Force, and Space Force. Packet Digital plans to use recent funding to produce batteries at its new facility named Badland Batteries, scheduled for initial production runs towards the end of 2025.