North Dakota – Gov. Kelly Armstrong participated in a signing ceremony today celebrating Talon Metals’ progress in establishing its proposed Beulah Minerals Processing Facility. The event marked the formal site selection of the facility, which will be located on the former Westmoreland Mining coal mine near Beulah.

The planned facility will process high-grade nickel and copper ore from the Tamarack mine in Minnesota, along with other potential sources, to produce minerals vital for battery manufacturing. The project is expected to play a key role in boosting domestic supply chains for critical materials.

“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,” said Armstrong during the ceremony.

Talon Metals first announced its plans for the Beulah facility in October 2022. The project is backed by nearly \$115 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and represents a total potential investment of up to \$365 million. According to Talon, the facility will create up to 150 permanent jobs as well as additional construction-related positions.

The project was made possible through a partnership between Talon and Westmoreland, with support from local leaders, the North Dakota congressional delegation, and the state Department of Commerce. The selection of a site with existing infrastructure was cited as a key advantage in moving the project forward.