Talon Metals has submitted its environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) for the Tamarack nickel-copper-cobalt project near Tamarack in Aitkin County, Minnesota, US.

The EAW for the proposed Tamarack small-footprint, high-grade underground nickel mine has been submitted to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by Talon Metals’ subsidiary Talon Nickel (USA).

The proposed project involves the construction of an underground mine, a temporary storage facility for ore and waste rock, and water treatment facilities.

Talon Metals intends to mine ore-bearing rock containing nickel and other precious metals at the property at depths of 500–2,000ft.

The mined rock is due to be transported to a processing facility in Mercer County, North Dakota, via rail.

Talon CEO Henri van Rooyen said: “Our team in Tamarack is excited to have reached the milestone of submitting the initial worksheet form to begin Minnesota’s environmental review process, the starting point for any project seeking a permit in the state.

“Environmental data collection started in 2006 and today includes data from the deep bedrock where the high-grade nickel deposit is found, to the surface water in the glacial till layer that contains wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes and homestead wells. This baseline data has helped the team to design the proposed project to safeguard the environment.”

DNR will now commence a scoping process to determine the proposed mine’s environmental impact.

Talon Metals holds a 51% stake in the Tamarack project. The project is being developed in a joint venture with Rio Tinto.

Talon currently holds an option to increase its stake to up to 60%.