Tesla has agreed to a deal with Talon Metals Corp. and Tamarack Nickel Project in Aitkin County, Minnesota.

Under the terms of the agreement, Tesla has agreed to purchase 75,000 metric tons (165 million lbs) of nickel in concentrate for 6 years.

Rep. Dale Lueck (R-Aitkin) was quoted in a press release saying: “It’s a clear indication the project is viable, and will ultimately produce the nickel needed to manufacture batteries for 10s of thousands of electric vehicles. The Tamarack Project, as it moves forward, is going to be an integral part of a very positive economy here in this part of Minnesota,”

You can read the press release below:

Tamarack, Minnesota/Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands (January 10, 2022) – Talon Metals Corp. (TSX:TLO), through its U.S. subsidiary Talon Nickel (USA) LLC (collectively “Talon” or the “Company”), has entered into an agreement with Tesla Inc. (“Tesla”) for the supply and purchase of nickel concentrate to be produced from the Tamarack Nickel Project in Aitkin County, Minnesota. The execution of the agreement follows an extensive and detailed due diligence period performed by Tesla and lengthy negotiations between the parties.

“This agreement is the start of an innovative partnership between Tesla and Talon for the responsible production of battery materials directly from the mine to the battery cathode. Talon is committed to meeting the highest standards of responsible production that is fully traceable and that has the lowest embedded CO₂ footprint in the industry. Talon is excited to support Tesla’s mission to accelerate the transition to renewable energy,” said Henri van Rooyen, CEO of Talon.

“The Talon team has taken an innovative approach to the discovery, development and production of battery materials, including to permanently store carbon as part of mine operations and the investigation of the novel extraction of battery materials. Responsible sourcing of battery materials has long been a focus for Tesla, and this project has the promise to accelerate the production of sustainable energy products in North America,” said Drew Baglino, SVP of Powertrain and Energy Engineering at Tesla.

Agreement Highlights:

• Under the terms set out in the agreement, Tesla has committed to purchase 75,000 metric tonnes (165 million lbs) of nickel in concentrate, representing a portion of the metals projected to be produced from the Tamarack Nickel Project. Tesla also has a preferential right under the agreement to negotiate the purchase of additional nickel concentrate over and above the initial 75,000 metric tonne commitment.
• The term of the agreement is six (6) years or until a total of 75,000 metric tonnes (165 million lbs) of nickel in concentrate has been produced and delivered to Tesla. The agreement is conditional upon: (i) Talon earning a 60% interest in the Tamarack Nickel Project; (ii) Talon commencing commercial production at the Tamarack Nickel Project; and (iii) the parties completing negotiations and executing detailed supply terms and conditions. Talon will use commercially reasonable efforts to achieve commercial production on or before January 1, 2026 at the Tamarack Nickel Project, which may be extended by the agreement of the parties for up to 12 months following which Tesla has a right to terminate the agreement and Talon may elect to sell to other parties.
• Talon and Tesla will work together to optimize nickel concentrate grades and metal recoveries.
• The purchase price to be paid by Tesla for the nickel in concentrate will be linked to the London Metals Exchange (LME) official cash settlement price for nickel. The parties have also agreed to share in any additional economics derived from by-products extracted from the nickel concentrate, such as iron and cobalt.