DNR board approves mining exploration on state in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Administrative Board on Tuesday approved Talon Michigan's application to lease state-owned metallic minerals rights in a portion of the western Upper Peninsula.

The approval allows Talon to explore the area for minerals on 23,000 acres in Baraga, Houghton, Iron and Marquette counties. The parcels are largely within the 400,000 privately owned acres that Talon has the rights to explore.

The company is on the hunt for nickel, a mineral that is important to electric vehicle battery production. Michigan's Upper Peninsula is home to the nation's only nickel mine, Eagle Mine.

In a statement, Talon CEO Henri van Rooyan touted a $20.6 million grant the company received from the U.S. Department of Defense to accelerate and expand its nickel exploration work in Michigan and Minnesota.

He described the search for nickel like finding a needle in a huge haystack.

"The haystack in this case was buried deep underground millions of years ago," Rooyan said. "Talon's experienced team is using cutting edge technology, our own drill rigs and in-house drill teams to find more nickel in America. We are conducting drilling and geophysics in Minnesota on a 24/7 basis and are excited to get started in Michigan this spring."

Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition member Kathleen Heideman previously told The Detroit News the group felt "targeted from all sides" in the transition to renewable energy, because the region is rich with resources that are used to build solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicle batteries.

The group said Michigan should take stronger steps to ensure the region's water, wetlands and environment is protected if new mining projects are approved.

Talon has hired a community and tribal engagement liaison based in Marquette to work with communities and tribal governments on the company's behalf.

The DNR lease only allows Talon to explore for minerals, which includes some drilling, but not to open a mine. Mining requires additional permitting from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

ckthompson@detroitnews.com