Talon, Westmoreland Sign Agreement for Nickel Processing Facility in North Dakota

Talon Metals Corp. has secured a site in Beulah, North Dakota, through a 3-year option agreement with Westmoreland Mining LLC to develop the Beulah Minerals Processing Facility (BMPF), marking a major step in U.S. critical mineral processing infrastructure. Supported by a $114.8 million Department of Energy grant, the facility aims to process nickel, copper, and other key minerals mined in Minnesota, reducing U.S. dependence on foreign sources for critical minerals essential to national security and energy independence. The project will repurpose a former coal mine site, reflecting a sustainable approach to industrial revitalization while potentially creating around 150 high-quality direct jobs and hundreds more during construction. North Dakota congressional leaders and company officials described the project as a model for leveraging local mineral reserves in competition with less cooperative foreign suppliers. Construction could begin by 2027, pending state permits, and the facility will utilize existing infrastructure, including a rail spur, to support operations. Despite Talon Metals facing financial challenges, the initiative represents a significant corporate development aligned with U.S. strategic priorities.