Talon Metals Corp. has obtained approval from Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for an additional 23,000 acres of mineral leases in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The company, actively engaged in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, recently entered into an agreement to supply Tesla with 165 million pounds of nickel sourced from the Tamarack Nickel Project in Aitkin County, Central Minnesota.
The approved mineral leases cover nickel deposits across Baraga, Houghton, Iron, and Marquette counties. This development follows Talon’s acquisition of mineral rights for exploration on a vast expanse of 400,000 acres in the Upper Peninsula. In a press release, Talon highlighted the historical significance of the land package, initially assembled by Henry Ford and owned by the Ford Motor Company for approximately 70 years.
See also: Tesla Introduces Adaptive Headlights for European Model 3 Highland in Latest Software Update
The collective 423,000 acres are strategically located within 1.7 miles of the Eagle Nickel Mine and 0.4 miles of the Humboldt Mill, a facility responsible for processing nickel ore from the Eagle mine. Talon expresses optimism about the region’s potential for additional high-grade nickel deposits, a sentiment underscored by Talon CEO Henri van Rooyen.
Van Rooyen emphasized the exploration team’s exclusive focus on discovering high-grade nickel deposits in the United States, particularly in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Notably, Talon is backed by Department of Defense funding, enabling the application of its proven exploration approach to identify new high-grade nickel and copper mineralization in the region.
Addressing the significance of domestic mineral sourcing in the context of electric vehicle tax credits, Van Rooyen stressed the importance of reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly from Russia and China. Talon is concurrently advancing its proposed Tamarack Underground Mine in Minnesota while actively exploring for additional deposits in both Minnesota and Michigan.
See also: Tesla Slashes Model Y Prices in Germany After Losing Top EV Seller Spot to Volkswagen
Talon’s commitment to community engagement is evident through its plans to host a community “Open House” in the spring, allowing the public to share their perspectives on the project. Cody Mayer, Talon’s Community & Tribal Engagement Liaison, highlighted the inclusive approach undertaken during the Michigan DNR approval process, involving extensive public comment opportunities and information-sharing meetings with Tribal sovereign governments to seek feedback and consider tribal knowledge in the ongoing fieldwork.
