During the week of June 19, Talon Mining submitted a proposal for a nickel mine in Tamarack, MN to the MN DNR. Talon Mining has signed an agreement to supply half of their nickel output to Tesla Motors for use in electric vehicle batteries.
But the environmental concerns loom large as this is another sulfide-mining project. The previous proposals from Twin Metals and Polymet are not moving forward at this time after lawsuits and legislation.
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe has already gone on record regarding environmental concerns from this proposed mine and wants to ensure that the lands and waters that their people depend upon remain clean for generations.
The reviews will likely take years, and if history is a guide, court cases will follow.
For more information, check out the Star-Tribune articles on June 22 and June 25 written by Chloe Johnson.