Talon Metals announces ND battery processing facility

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $2.8 billion in grants to build and expand domestic manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles in 12 states. The announcement comes as the White House seeks to boost production and sales of electric vehicles.

Under the program Talon Nickel LLC plans to construct a battery minerals processing facility in North Dakota’s Mercer County. The company will transport raw ore from the Tamarack mine in Minnesota by rail.

The project represents a nearly $433 million investment including a federal cost share of over $114 million dollars. The project is expected to create 150 jobs.

In a prepared statement North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum stated “By increasing domestic production of nickel and other battery minerals and reducing our reliance on foreign sources, we can strengthen our economy, our communities and our national security while continuing to grow North Dakota’s status as a powerhouse for the nation.”