Talon Metals has dropped its plan for a new processing plant in North Dakota and is now considering Michigan's Humboldt Mill for ore from its Tamarack project. A final decision will follow a feasibility study expected by the end of 2026.
Talon Metals has decided not to build a new minerals processing facility in Mercer County, North Dakota. Instead, the company will look at using the Humboldt Mill in Michigan to process ore from its Tamarack nickel-copper-cobalt project in Minnesota. This change comes after Talon acquired the Eagle Mine and Humboldt Mill from Lundin Mining in January 2026, giving the company an operational nickel-copper processing site, a trained workforce, and established infrastructure. (Investing News)
The Humboldt Mill, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, has been running since Eagle Mine began commercial production in 2014. The facility produces separate nickel and copper concentrates using standard flotation methods and already has permits for this type of work. These factors-existing capacity and regulatory approvals-were central to Talon's decision to focus on Michigan rather than starting from scratch in North Dakota. The move also reflects a wider industry push to reduce risk and upfront costs. (Mining.com)
Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy says the Humboldt Mill operates under strict environmental permits. Any expansion or change in the type of ore processed would require new reviews and a public comment period. Local officials in Marquette County, where the mill is located, have said the project could bring jobs and tax revenue if the feasibility study shows the mill can handle Tamarack ore.
The feasibility study is underway and should finish by December 31, 2026. This timeline gives investors and local governments, including the City of Farmington and other Michigan communities, a clear point for when a decision will be made. The Farmington Public Schools board and Oakland County administration are also watching for possible economic effects on their areas.
Financial analysts at TD Cowen and elsewhere see the shift to Humboldt Mill as a positive step for the Tamarack project, mainly because it could lower capital costs and reduce startup risks. Still, whether the mill can process Tamarack ore successfully will only be clear after the study is done. If the results are good, Talon Metals could speed up the process of bringing new nickel, copper, and cobalt to market, which would support Michigan's role in the U.S. supply chain for electric vehicle batteries and other technologies.
For North Dakota, Talon's decision means the state will not get the new plant or the economic boost that would have come with it. Local news reports confirm that Michigan stands to benefit from Talon's existing infrastructure, but the final outcome depends on the feasibility study. Residents and officials in both states, including those following updates on the Farmington City Council portal, will be watching as Talon Metals prepares to make its final decision in late 2026.
