Former Coal Mine in North Dakota to Become Critical Minerals Hub for U.S. Defense and Energy Independence

Talon Metals to transform Beulah coal site into a domestic processing facility for nickel and other key minerals, reducing reliance on China and Russia.

In a landmark step toward strengthening the United States' domestic supply chain for critical minerals, Talon Metals has secured a former coal mining site near Beulah, North Dakota, to develop the Beulah Minerals Processing Facility (BMPF). The project aims to reduce U.S. dependence on critical mineral imports from China and Russia, reinforcing both economic and national security.

The approximately 256-acre site, currently owned by Westmoreland Mining LLC, will be repurposed to process nickel and other strategic minerals essential for defense systems and clean energy technologies. The site includes a valuable 7-mile rail spur directly connected to the BNSF Railway, enhancing logistical efficiency for the future facility.

“This is a game-changer for both North Dakota and the nation,” said Senator John Hoeven during today’s signing ceremony at the site, which was attended by North Dakota Governor Armstrong, Senator Kevin Cramer, and Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak. “We worked with the Department of Energy to secure $115 million to help move Talon's project forward, reducing our reliance on China for these increasingly important minerals.”

The Beulah facility will be supported by a $114.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and an additional $2.47 million from the Defense Logistics Agency to advance mineral extraction technologies. Talon expects the facility to generate up to 150 direct jobs and hundreds more during construction, with permitting planned through 2025–2026 and a construction start date targeted for 2027.

“This partnership exemplifies Westmoreland’s vision of transforming former coal mining lands into modern energy and industrial hubs,” said Jon Heroux, Westmoreland’s Corporate Counsel for External Affairs. “It’s a forward-looking investment that breathes new life into this community and positions North Dakota at the heart of America’s critical minerals strategy.”

The BMPF represents a first-of-its-kind cross-sector initiative, combining legacy energy infrastructure with cutting-edge mineral processing to meet the rising demand for materials vital to national defense and clean technology manufacturing.