Talon Metals Corp. announced that, following its evaluation of potential processing pathways for material from the Tamarack nickel-copper-cobalt project in central Minnesota, the company has selected its existing Humboldt mill in Michigan as the processing location. As a result, Talon said it will not be advancing the construction of the previously proposed Beulah Minerals Processing Facility (BMPF) in Mercer County, North Dakota.
The decision follows Talon’s January 2026 acquisition of the Eagle mine and Humboldt, which gave the company ownership of an operating U.S. nickel-copper processing facility, an experienced workforce and an established technical and operating expertise. Talon said that these capabilities were not available to it when the company developed its original plan for BMPF in North Dakota. Since completing the acquisition, Talon has evaluated how Humboldt could support the future development of the Tamarack project and determined that leveraging its existing infrastructure, workforce and expertise is the preferred path forward, rather than advancing construction of a separate new processing facility.
“The Humboldt Mill gives us the opportunity to build on an existing U.S. processing facility with a proven operational and environmental track record and a highly experienced workforce,” said Darby Stacey, CEO of Talon. “As we evaluate the future development of the Tamarack project, we see real value in making the best use of infrastructure we already own and maintaining skilled jobs and economic activity in Michigan. It is an opportunity to build upon what is already working while continuing to strengthen our U.S. nickel-copper platform.”
Talon is currently conducting a feasibility study to evaluate processing material from the Tamarack project at Humboldt, including required material handling and process modifications, as well as other technical and strategic considerations, which it expects to complete in Q4 2026. The Humboldt mill currently processes ore from Talon’s Eagle mine using conventional flotation to produce separate nickel and copper concentrates and has been operating continuously since commercial production at Eagle mine began in 2014.
Talon will also coordinate with regulators in Minnesota and Michigan regarding the transition to Humboldt as the processing location. Humboldt is already included as an off-site processing option in the current Minnesota Department of Natural Resources environmental review materials for the Tamarack project.
“Talon Metals’ decision to process ore from the proposed Tamarack project at the Humboldt Mill is an important step in advancing Minnesota’s opportunity to responsibly develop its critical mineral resources. If the Tamarack project successfully completes Minnesota’s environmental review and permitting process, it would connect a world-class Minnesota mineral resource with an existing, operating U.S. processing facility. Just as importantly, this decision provides regulators and the public with a clearer, more defined project to evaluate. It does not change Minnesota’s rigorous environmental review process, nor should it. The project should be evaluated on the facts: its design, its environmental safeguards, its potential impacts and its ability to meet Minnesota’s standards,” said Julie Lucas, executive director of MiningMinnesota.
Talon has an existing $114.8 million funding agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to support development of the BMPF. Talon is working with the DOE regarding the future of the award following the company’s decision to select Humboldt as the processing location for material from the Tamarack project.
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