Talon Metals begins exploratory drilling on ‘Roland Target’ in Upper Peninsula

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WJMN) — Mining company Talon Metals has broken ground as it continues the search for new nickel deposits in the historic Henry Ford land package in Marquette and Baraga counties.

The exploratory drilling marks the latest advancement toward another new mine in the Upper Peninsula, as Highland Copper’s mining activity is gaining steam north of Wakefield in the western end of the Upper Peninsula.

The move, which is partially funded by a large grant from the Department of Defense, exhibits part of President Joe Biden’s effort to encourage a domestic supply chain for electric vehicle production in the United States.

Talon Metals is beginning its exploration around the “Roland Target,” which is believed to be a high-grade nickel deposit first discovered by Rio Tinto, but soon abandoned after discovering the deposit now extracted by the Eagle Mine.

Rio Tinto sold off both Eagle Mine and the 400,000-acre Henry Ford land package around 2013, but also left behind geological data from 80 drill sites around the region. This, along with new information gathered by Eagle Mine’s recent discovery of its Eagle East deposit, “provides Talon with a new exciting thesis for discovery,” according to a spokesperson for Talon Metals.

“By integrating this wealth of knowledge with our new exploration model, we are confident in our ability to unlock the high-grade nickel potential of the Talon Michigan Nickel-Copper Properties,” said Brian Goldner, COO and Chief Exploration Officer of Talon.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJMN - UPMatters.com.