State Nonferrous Metallic Mineral Leasing

Approved

Approved April 23, 2024 - Encampment Minerals Inc (3/28/24 plan)

Metallic mineral exploration is proposed in St. Louis County in an area six miles southeast of Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota. Encampment Minerals Inc. (Encampment) proposes drilling exploratory borings and conducting down-hole geophysical surveys. Encampment has explored this area intermittently since 2009.

If the proposal meets the requirements of applicable state laws and is approved by the DNR, Encampment will have the right to explore the specified state lands under a nonferrous metallic mineral lease consistent with the exploration plan, any conditions, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved April 22, 2024 - Encampment Minerals Inc. (3/29/24 plan)

Metallic mineral exploration is proposed in St. Louis County in an area six miles northeast of Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota. Encampment Minerals Inc. (Encampment) proposes drilling exploratory borings and conducting down-hole geophysical surveys. Encampment has explored this area intermittently since 2009.

If the proposal meets the requirements of applicable state laws and is approved by the DNR, Encampment will have the right to explore the specified state lands under a nonferrous metallic mineral lease consistent with the exploration plan, any conditions, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved April 12, 2024 - Talon Nickel (USA) LLC (3/22/24 plan)

Metallic mineral exploration is proposed in Aitkin and Carlton counties in an area eight miles north to eight miles southeast of Tamarack, Minnesota. Talon Nickel (USA) LLC (Talon) proposes drilling exploratory borings and conducting down-hole and ground geophysical surveys. Talon and Kennecott Exploration Company (Kennecott) have explored this area intermittently since 2008.

Kennecott holds the state leases and designated Talon as the operator for the proposed exploration activity. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has approved the operating agreement between Kennecott and Talon.

If the proposal meets the requirements of applicable state laws and is approved by the DNR, Talon will have the right to explore the specified state lands under a nonferrous metallic mineral lease consistent with the exploration plan, any conditions, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved January 2, 2024 - Talon Nickel (USA) LLC (11/29/23 plan)

Metallic mineral exploration is proposed in Aitkin County approximately six miles north of Tamarack, Minnesota. Talon Nickel (USA) LLC (Talon) proposes drilling exploratory borings and conducting down-hole and ground geophysical surveys. Kennecott Exploration Company (Kennecott) previously explored this area in 2011.

Kennecott holds the state leases and designated Talon as the operator for the proposed exploration activity. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has approved the operating agreement between Kennecott and Talon.

If the proposal meets the requirements of applicable state laws and is approved by the DNR, Talon will have the right to explore the specified state lands under a nonferrous metallic mineral lease consistent with the exploration plan, any conditions, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved December 18, 2023 - Encampment Minerals Inc. (11/20/23 plan)

Metallic mineral exploration is proposed in St. Louis County in an area 13 miles east of Cotton, Minnesota. Encampment Minerals, Inc. (Encampment) proposes drilling exploratory borings and conducting down-hole geophysical surveys. This area was previously explored in 2010.

If the proposal meets the requirements of applicable state law and is approved by the DNR, Encampment will have the right to explore the specified state lands under a nonferrous metallic mineral lease consistent with the exploration plan, any conditions, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved December 18, 2023 - Encampment Minerals Inc. (11/17/23 plan)

Metallic mineral exploration is proposed in St. Louis County in an area five miles southeast of Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota. Encampment Minerals, Inc. (Encampment) proposes drilling exploratory borings and conducting down-hole geophysical surveys. Encampment has explored this area intermittently since 2009.

If the proposal meets the requirements of applicable state law and is approved by the DNR, Encampment will have the right to explore the specified state lands under a nonferrous metallic mineral lease consistent with the exploration plan, any conditions, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved October 30, 2023 - Franconia Minerals (US) LLC (9/22/23 plan)

Franconia Minerals (US) LLC (Franconia), a subsidiary of Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, proposes exploring for metallic minerals in St. Louis County in an area five miles to six miles east of Babbitt, Minnesota (Figure 1). Franconia has explored this area intermittently since 2010.

If the proposal meets the requirements of applicable state law and is approved by the DNR, Franconia will have the right to explore the specified state minerals under the terms of an existing nonferrous metallic mineral lease, consistent with the exploration plan and any special conditions required by DNR.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved October 6, 2023 – Talon Nickel (USA) LLC (9/8/23 plan)

Metallic mineral exploration is proposed in Carlton County in an area three to six miles southeast of Tamarack, Minnesota. Talon Nickel (USA) LLC (Talon) proposes drilling exploratory borings and conducting down-hole and ground geophysical surveys. Talon and Kennecott Exploration Company (Kennecott) have explored this area intermittently since 2008.

Kennecott, which designated Talon as the operator for the proposed exploration activity, holds the state leases. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has approved the operating agreement between Kennecott and Talon.

Upon DNR approval, Talon will have the right to explore state lands under a nonferrous metallic mineral lease consistent with the exploration plan, any conditions, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved April 12, 2023 - Talon Nickel (USA) LLC (3/24/23 plan)

Metallic mineral exploration is proposed in Aitkin and Carlton counties in an area five miles north to eight miles southeast of Tamarack, Minnesota. Talon Nickel (USA) LLC (Talon) proposes drilling exploratory borings and conducting down-hole and ground geophysical surveys. Talon and Kennecott Exploration Company (Kennecott) have explored this area intermittently since 2008.

Kennecott, which designated Talon as the operator for the proposed exploration activity, holds the state leases. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has approved the operating agreement between Kennecott and Talon.

Upon DNR approval, Talon has the right to explore state lands under a nonferrous metallic mineral lease consistent with the exploration plan, any conditions, and applicable laws and rules. 

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved January 10, 2023 - Encampment Minerals Inc. (12/2/22 plan)

Encampment Minerals, Inc. (Encampment) submitted a proposed exploration plan to continue exploring for metallic mineral deposits in St. Louis County. Encampment proposes to explore on leased state mineral rights in an area about five miles south of Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota. Encampment has intermittently explored this area of St. Louis County since 2009.

Encampment’s exploration plan proposes conducting borehole pulse electromagnetic geophysical surveys at two drill sites drilled during previous exploration. Encampment proposes to place up to five wire loops in an area surrounding the drill sites. The site crew will place wire loops by hand. No line or brush cutting is required. The proposed plan states that explorers will only transmit electromagnetic pulses with crew on site.

Encampment will post warning signs at drill sites and in areas where the deployed wiring may cross access routes. When Encampment completes the proposed exploration activity, the site crew will reseal exploratory borings following regulations set by Minnesota’s Department of Health.

Upon DNR approval, Encampment has the right to explore state-owned lands consistent with the exploration plan, any stipulations, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved November 29, 2022 - Teck American Incorporated plan (11/10/22 plan)

Teck American Incorporated (Teck) submitted a proposed exploration plan to continue exploring for metallic mineral deposits in St. Louis County. Exploration will occur on leased state mineral rights in an area about five miles southeast of Babbitt, Minnesota. Teck has drilled in this area of St. Louis County since 2007.

Teck’s exploration plan proposes drilling exploratory borings using the diamond core drilling method at up to fourteen drill sites. New access trails are proposed to reach some drill sites. Any trail preparation and drilling in wetlands will occur in winter under frozen conditions; trail preparation and drilling on uplands may occur at various times throughout the year. All drilling activity, including sealing borings, will follow regulations set by Minnesota’s Department of Health.

Upon DNR approval, Teck has the right to explore state-owned lands consistent with the exploration plan, any stipulations, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved April 12, 2022 - Talon Nickel (USA) LLC plan (3/8/22 plan)

Talon Nickel (USA) LLC (Talon) submitted a proposed plan to continue exploring for metallic mineral deposits in Aitkin County. Exploration will occur on leased state mineral rights in an area north of Tamarack, Minnesota. Kennecott Exploration Company (Kennecott) and Talon have explored in this area since the early 2000s.

Talon’s exploration plan proposes drilling exploratory borings using the diamond core method at up to 25 drill sites. Talon notes the possibility of multiple borings at each site. Talon plans to use existing access to drill sites, but may need to construct new trails to reach some areas. Drilling activity, including sealing, will follow regulations set by the Department of Health.

Talon’s proposed plan includes downhole geophysical surveys in newly drilled borings and existing temporarily sealed borings. Talon’s proposal includes plans to use a drill rig to clear any blocked borings. The new exploration plan indicates that surveyors may conduct geophysical surveys on foot within the boundaries of the leased state mineral rights. When conducting ground-based geophysical surveys, surveyors may need to cut small amounts of brush to make room for the portable survey equipment, but surveyors will not cut lines or grids. Talon will place signs when conducting geophysical surveys.

Kennecott, which designated Talon as the operator for the proposed exploration activity, holds the state leases. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has approved the operating agreement between Kennecott and Talon.

Upon DNR approval, Talon has the right to explore state-owned lands consistent with the exploration plan, any stipulations, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved February 16, 2022 - Vermillion Gold Inc. Amended Plan (12/2/21 plan)

February 16, 2022: This exploration plan notice amends a plan approved December 15, 2021 with new information submitted by Vermillion Gold on February 14, 2022. The amendment adds two diamond core drill site locations within the existing exploration area in Section 8. The amended changes were approved February 16, 2022.

Amended Narrative: Vermillion Gold Inc. (VGI) submitted a proposed plan to explore for metallic mineral deposits on leased state mineral rights about 11 miles southeast of Big Fork, Minnesota in Itasca County. VGI’s plan proposes drilling exploratory borings. VGI drilled exploratory borings in the area each of the last two winters.

This winter, VGI plans to drill exploratory borings at 17 drill sites using the rotosonic drilling method and 2 drill sites using the diamond core method. All proposed drilling will occur under adequately frozen conditions, according to the exploration plan. The original plan and amendment say VGI will seal the borings following regulations set by the Minnesota Department of Health.

Upon DNR approval, VGI has the right to explore state-owned lands consistent with the exploration plan, any stipulations, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved December 20, 2021 - Teck American Inc. (12/2/21 plan)

Teck American Incorporated (Teck) submitted a proposed exploration plan to continue exploration for metallic mineral deposits on leased state mineral rights in an area about five (5) miles southeast of Babbitt, Minnesota. Teck has drilled in this area of St. Louis County since 2007.

Over the next year, Teck plans to drill exploratory borings at four sites and environmental wells at two sites using sonic, air rotary, reverse circulation, and diamond core methods. The plan states that Teck will drill and seal the borings and wells according to regulations set by the Minnesota Department of Health.

Access across and drilling in wetlands will occur in winter; drilling on upland sites may occur at various times throughout the year. New access trails are proposed to reach some drill sites, some of which may be improved to allow year-round access.

Upon DNR approval, Teck has the right to explore state-owned lands consistent with the exploration plan, any stipulations, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved October 22, 2021 - Vermillion Gold Inc. (10/5/21 plan)

Vermillion Gold Inc. (VGI) submitted a proposed plan to explore for metallic mineral deposits on leased state mineral rights in St. Louis County. The exploration activities will occur on leased state mineral rights between the cities of Virginia and Gilbert, Minnesota (Figure 1). VGI has explored for gold in this area since 2007.

Beginning this fall, VGI plans to drill exploratory borings at six drill sites using the diamond core drilling method. All proposed drill sites are on uplands, according to the exploration plan. The plan also states VGI will seal the borings following regulations set by the Minnesota Department of Health.

Upon DNR approval, VGI has the right to explore state-owned lands consistent with the exploration plan, any stipulations, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved September 23, 2021 - Talon Nickel (USA) LLC (9/3/21 plan)

Talon Nickel (USA) LLC (Talon) submitted a proposed plan to explore for metallic mineral deposits in Aitkin and Carlton Counties. The exploration activities will occur on leased state mineral rights across an area from about three miles north to about seven miles southeast of Tamarack, Minnesota. Kennecott Exploration Company (Kennecott) and Talon have explored this area since the early 2000s.

Talon’s exploration plan proposes new environmental wells, conducting down-hole geophysical surveys in temporarily sealed borings, and conducting ground geophysical surveys.

Upon DNR approval, Talon has the right to explore state-owned lands consistent with the exploration plan, any stipulations, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved August 17, 2021 - Vermillion Gold Inc. (7/21/21 plan)

Vermillion Gold Inc. (VGI) submitted a proposed plan to explore for metallic mineral deposits on leased state mineral rights about 11 miles southeast of Big Fork, Minnesota in Itasca County. VGI’s plan proposes drilling exploratory borings. VGI drilled exploratory borings in the area last winter.

This summer and fall, VGI plans to drill exploratory borings at 11 drill sites using the rotosonic drilling method with possible reverse circulation and core drilling. All proposed drill sites are on uplands, according to the exploration plan.

Rotosonic drilling uses high frequency vibration of the drill bit to advance and collect cores of soils, glacial sediments, and a short length of the underlying bedrock. Rotosonic borings end shortly after encountering the top of the bedrock. The plan says VGI will seal the borings following regulations set by the Minnesota Department of Health.

Upon DNR approval VGI has the right to explore state-owned lands consistent with the exploration plan, any stipulations, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved May 5, 2021 - Vermillion Gold Inc. (4/21/21 plan)

Vermillion Gold Inc. (VGI) submitted a proposed plan to explore for metallic mineral deposits on leased state mineral rights about 11 miles southeast of Big Fork, Minnesota in Itasca County. VGI’s exploration plan proposes conducting geophysical surveys, along a grid area, that may include sampling bedrock and soils using hand tools. VGI drilled exploratory borings in this area last winter.

VGI’s new proposal includes a magnetics survey that does not require clearing vegetation from the exploration area. Additionally, the proposal does not include exploration activities on or over ponds and lakes. All other geophysical survey activities on lands along the grid area may require cutting three feet of brush, as needed for access, the proposal states. VGI will conduct the surveys on foot but may use motorized vehicles to traverse the land, where existing site conditions support the use of vehicles.

Upon DNR approval VGI has the right to explore state-owned lands consistent with the exploration plan, any stipulations, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

Approved April 20, 2021 - Teck American Inc. (3/1/21 plan)

Teck American Incorporated (Teck) submitted a proposed exploration plan to continue exploration for metallic mineral deposits on leased state mineral rights in an area about five (5) miles southeast of Babbitt, Minnesota. Teck has drilled in this area of St. Louis County since 2007.

Teck’s proposed exploration plan requests a one-year extension to complete exploration activities initially proposed in November 2019. Under the original 2019 exploration plan, Teck prepared new trails and drill sites for six of the eight drill sites. The proposal includes new access trails to reach a drill site at section 28 and the northern site at Section 36.

In the 2021 plan, Teck proposes to drill exploratory borings on three* sites using the diamond core drilling method. In support of hydrologic explorations, Teck’s new plan also includes drilling environmental holes on five* sites using sonic, reverse circulation, air rotary, or diamond core methods. Any drilling in wetlands will occur in winter; drilling at upland sites may occur at various times throughout the year. All drilling activity, including sealing, will follow regulations set by the Department of Health.

Upon DNR approval VGI has the right to explore state-owned lands consistent with the exploration plan, any stipulations, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)

*Correction 4/16/21. The environmental hole proposed at one drill site will be classified as an exploratory boring.

Approved April 5, 2021 - Talon Nickel (USA) LLC (3/16/21 plan)

Talon Nickel (USA) LLC (Talon) submitted a proposed plan to explore for metallic mineral deposits on leased state mineral rights about one half to five miles north of Tamarack, Minnesota in Aitkin County. Kennecott Exploration Company (Kennecott) and Talon have explored in this area since the early 2000s.

Talon’s exploration plan proposes down-hole geophysical surveys and ground-based surveys at proposed and historic boring sites.

Talon plans to use the diamond core drilling method to drill exploratory borings in bedrock. The plan includes drilling the borings on 20 drill pads; Talon may drill multiple borings from each drill pad. Talon also proposes temporary access trails and plastic flotation mats to reach some drill sites safely. Talon proposes to seal the borings, following regulations set by the Department of Health.

Talon will conduct the bulk of ground-based surveys on foot. Where existing site conditions allow, Talon may use motorized vehicles to traverse the land. Talon will place signs when conducting geophysical surveys. Talon may need to cut small amounts of brush to place survey equipment; Talon will not cut lines or grids.

Upon DNR approval, Talon has the right to explore state-owned lands consistent with the exploration plan, any stipulations, and applicable laws and rules.

Summary Report and Associated Map (DNR Source)