Tamarack Mining Project Environmental Impact Statement

Public participation and input

The comment period for the Scoping Environmental Assessment Worksheet (SEAW) and the Draft Scoping Decision Document (DSDD) was open from July 14 to September 14, 2026. The comment period is now closed.

The DNR held two public meetings during the 60-day comment period for the DSDD and SEAW, one on August 5, 2026, at McGregor High School in McGregor, MN, and the other on August 12, 2026, at the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN. Each public meeting began with an open house where attendees could learn more about the project, ask questions, sign-up for an opportunity to speak and submit written comments. Attendees were then invited to view a short informational presentation. The public commenting session followed, and individuals who signed up to speak were randomly selected. To accommodate as many commenters as possible, commenters were limited to 3 minutes and could only speak once per meeting.

Project overview

Talon Nickel (USA) LLC is proposing to develop an underground mine in central Minnesota for the extraction of nickel, copper and iron ore that would be processed offsite, in Mercer County, North Dakota, and Marquette County, Michigan, to produce metal concentrates for the domestic battery supply chain. 

The DNR is charged with preparing an EIS for the proposed Tamarack Mining project (the Project). This role is known as being the responsible governmental unit (RGU). 

 

Click to enlarge

thumbnail of sample_b

 

There are three parts to the EIS process: EIS scoping, EIS preparation and EIS adequacy. Scoping is the first phase of the EIS process. The purpose of scoping is to identify the potentially significant environmental and socioeconomic issues requiring detailed analysis, alternatives (e.g., alternative sites, technologies, layouts, scales, etc.) to be evaluated and potential mitigation options. Scoping helps the agency focus environmental review on the most important issues but also helps define alternatives and additional data needs. The Project proposer is required to pay the DNR costs for conducting all phases of the EIS process, including any costs for the DNR to hire consultants to assist with the scoping and preparation of the EIS.

Project location

colored minnesota map with location marker

Project timeline

timeline document

Click here for a detailed map of the proposed mine site »

The project would be located approximately 30 miles west of Cloquet, Minnesota, approximately 1.5 miles north of the city of Tamarack and approximately 10 miles east of McGregor, Minnesota.

Download the proposed project timeline »

Sign up for updates on this topic  

 

Additional information

The DNR will provide website access to information about the Project throughout the environmental review process. This might include status updates, factsheets, and proposer-developed data and studies. It is possible that some information received by the DNR will not be posted. Items not posted could include general responses from the proposer to DNR questions, information that lacks accessibility when received, large-sized documents or those that are highly technical in nature.  All documents in DNR’s possession will be available by request.

Fact sheets
The DNR created the following fact sheets (downloadable PDFs) to explain the environmental review process and other project-related considerations.

Scoping EAW and draft scoping decision document
Scoping documents (SEAW and DSDD) are currently available for public review and comment. The DNR will solicit comments on the SEAW and DSDD when these documents are complete. In combination, these two documents will provide a blueprint for EIS preparation.

Other DNR documents
DNR news releases and statements
News release: DNR receives mining proposal from Talon Metals

Other agencies involved

Project-related information from other agencies will be posted here when available. The DNR is coordinating with other state and federal agencies and Tribal governments throughout the environmental review process.

Tamarack Mining Project – proposer documents

Proposer documents

Below are documents prepared by Talon to provide supporting data and analysis for the EIS. New documents will be posted as they become available.

IMPORTANT: These documents are posted as provided by Talon to inform interested parties, and the DNR makes no claim on the accuracy of the content provided below. As RGU, the DNR will assess the accuracy and completeness of all information used in the EIS, including proposer-provided information. This is an ongoing activity.

Proposer information and documents

Back to top