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Proposed Talon Metals Nickel Mine: Public Comment Opportunity

08/05/202608/05/2026

Topic: Protect, Water

Proposed Mine
Concerns
Public Comments
Our Commitment

Wild Rivers Conservancy of the St. Croix & Namekagon recognizes the important role nickel and copper can play in the clean energy transition. However, sulfide-ore nickel mining presents inherent risks because sulfide minerals can generate sulfuric acid when exposed to air and water. In a watershed known for exceptional water quality and nationally significant aquatic ecosystems, even a low-probability risk of long-term acid generation and metal contamination warrants careful scrutiny.

The proposed Talon Metals sulfide-ore nickel mine raises significant concerns because the ore body extends into both the Mississippi and St. Croix watersheds—two of the most ecologically and culturally significant river systems in the Upper Midwest. The watershed’s extensive wetlands, peatlands, lakes, streams, and groundwater systems are uniquely vulnerable to the long-term risks associated with sulfide-ore nickel mining.

Wild Rivers Conservancy believes that protecting clean water, healthy fisheries, wildlife habitat, Tribal resources, and the ecological integrity of the St. Croix watershed must remain the highest priority.

What is being proposed?

Talon Metals is pursuing permits for an underground sulfide-ore nickel mine near Tamarack, Minnesota.

The current permit covers only the initial phase of development, approximately 447 acres. However, the known ore body extends for roughly 11 miles, with more than half of the identified high-grade deposit located within the St. Croix watershed and outside the current permit area. The existing application represents only one portion of what could become a much larger mining operation.

Where are the concerns?

This landscape is dominated by wetlands, peatlands, lakes, and shallow groundwater systems that are highly interconnected. Water features make up approximately 90 percent of the landscape where the ore body occurs. These hydrologic connections increase concerns about both groundwater drawdown and potential impacts to surface waters.

Who is affected?

The proposed mine has the potential to affect far more than the immediate project area.

Those with a stake in the outcome include:

Communities that depend on clean groundwater and surface water.
Tribal Nations whose treaty rights include harvesting wild rice and protecting culturally significant natural resources.
Anglers, paddlers, hunters, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
Businesses and communities that rely on healthy lakes, rivers, and tourism.
Future generations who depend on a resilient St. Croix watershed.

Why does this matter?

The long-term health of the St. Croix watershed depends on protecting both groundwater and surface water.

Key concerns include:

Potential acid generation and heavy metal contamination associated with sulfide mining.
Lowering of groundwater levels caused by continuous mine dewatering.
Impacts to lakes, wetlands, streams, fisheries, and aquatic ecosystems.
Risks to wild rice habitat and Tribal treaty resources.
The cumulative impacts of future mine expansion beyond the currently permitted area.

Public Comment Details & Deadlines

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting public comments on the scoping phase of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Talon Mine.

This is your opportunity to help determine which environmental impacts should be studied before any permitting decisions are made.

Submit Comments: Through the Minnesota DNR’s Tamarack Mining Project webpage.

Submit Public Comments to MN DNR Here

Comment Period: July 14 – September 14, 2026 (closes at 4:30 p.m.)

Upcoming Public Meetings

McGregor High School:

Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 5:00–9:00 p.m.

148 S. Second St., McGregor, MN

National Sports Center:

Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 5:00–9:00 p.m.

1750 105th Ave. NE, Blaine, MN 55449

Why your comments matter

Public comments become part of the official record and can help shape the environmental review. The EIS does not approve the mine, but it is an important step in the state’s decision-making process before any permits can be issued.

Wild Rivers Conservancy encourages residents, local governments, Tribal Nations, scientists, recreation users, and watershed stakeholders to stay informed and participate during public comment periods associated with environmental review documents and future permit decisions.

Meaningful public engagement is essential to ensuring that decisions affecting the St. Croix watershed are based on the best available science and a full understanding of potential long-term impacts.

Additional Resources:

St. Croix 360 – Proposed nickel mine near St. Croix tributaries now open for public input

Tamarack Mining Project Environmental Impact Statement

Water Over Nickel An initiative by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and allied organizations to protect Minnesota’s people, natural resources, and cultural sites from the negative impact of nickel mining.

Our Commitment

The St. Croix watershed is one of the nation’s premier freshwater ecosystems. Protecting its clean water, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and cultural resources requires careful science, transparent decision-making, and a precautionary approach whenever irreversible impacts are possible.

We will continue to follow the permitting process, share factual information with the public, and advocate for the long-term protection of the St. Croix watershed.