Talon Metals Is Poised For A Powerful 2H 2025 - Exclusive Interview With CEO & Exploration Manager
Talon Metals has experienced a whirlwind year in 2025 due to a new ultra high-grade nickel-copper-platinum-palladium-gold discovery at the Tamarack Critical Minerals Project in Minnesota.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first on camera conversation with Talon Metals CEO Henri van Rooyen and Exploration Manager Brian Goldner. We discussed the Talon Metals story since inception in 2014, and how the Talon in-house exploration team made the recent world class MSU (Massive Sulphide Unit) discovery below the 138 Zone at Tamarack.
I have been traveling for the last week and I apologize for my video quality during this conversation. Thankfully, the audio comes across loud and clear.
Key Highlights:
New Massive Sulfide Discovery Brian Goldner detailed the recent discovery of significant massive sulfides in holes 50 and 63 at the Tamarack project (00:07:50) (00:10:28). This discovery occurred while systematically drilling the southernmost area of the resource (138 zone) and utilizing in-house geophysics on existing boreholes (00:08:30). The team hit 8 meters of massive sulfide in hole 50 and subsequently an even more substantial intercept of almost 35 meters in hole 563. Brian Goldner highlighted the excitement of this discovery, noting the rapid drilling progress and the immediate analysis made possible by their integrated in-house capabilities (00:10:28).
Advantages of In-House Operations Brian Goldner explained the significant benefits of Talon having their own in-house drilling and geophysics teams. This integration leads to better communication, aligned goals among employees who are also shareholders, and a substantial increase in drilling production (22%) (00:11:32). Brian Goldner emphasized that they can run geophysics immediately after drilling, process data quickly, and identify new targets within hours, drastically reducing the delays typically seen in the industry (00:13:35).
Recent Financing and Participants Henri van Rooyen discussed the recent US$30 million financing, noting that it was significantly upsized and came together quickly (00:18:24). He mentioned the notable participation of Robert Friedland (Ivanhoe) in the financing, highlighting the validation this provides for the project's potential and future technologies. Henri van Rooyen also stated that long-term investors continue to support the company, appreciating their focus on effectively navigating the project's development stages (00:19:38).
Strategic Use of Proceeds and Exploration Services Henri van Rooyen outlined the intended use of the financing proceeds, emphasizing the funding of the feasibility study and the permitting process. He also highlighted Talon's exploration services division, which aims to generate cash flow to further support these activities (00:20:35). Henri van Rooyen believes the Tamarack Project can significantly address North America's nickel supply issues, crucial for super alloys used in various critical applications (00:21:50).
Collaboration with the Department of Defense Brian Goldner discussed the $20.6 million grant Talon received from the Department of Defense to accelerate nickel discovery in America, specifically in Michigan and Minnesota. This grant supported their Michigan project, which has already yielded promising copper and nickel discoveries near the Eagle Mine, at Boulderdash (00:22:45). Brian Goldner described their "Advanced Exploration System" (AES) and a "fail fast" approach to rapidly evaluate targets (00:24:10).
Geophysical Insights into the New Zone Brian Goldner explained that while borehole electromagnetics (EM) indicates conductive bodies, it doesn't directly reveal their size (00:27:32). He noted that the geophysics suggests the new massive sulfide zone appears to be "draining down," similar to a waterfall, implying potential for a significant accumulation of sulfides at depth (00:28:49). Brian Goldner also mentioned the unusual hypogene mineralization observed in the core from this new zone, which raises questions about the potential for a larger mineralized system (00:29:48).
Geological Analogies and Project Uniqueness Brian Goldner stated that he is unaware of another comparable project worldwide with the specific characteristics of the new massive sulfide zone at Tamarack, particularly the association of massive sulfides at the bottom of a "waterfall" structure with chalcocite, bornite, and covellite (00:30:50). He highlighted Tamarack's unique geological preservation, lacking significant faulting or rotation over its billion-year history. Brian Goldner drew an analogy to the Norilsk region in Russia in terms of textural similarities and potential intrusion size (00:31:55).
Future Drilling Plans for the New Zone Brian Goldner outlined the immediate plans for further exploration of the new massive sulfide zone, indicating a preference for directional drilling from existing holes to efficiently test step-outs at depth. This method allows for targeted drilling while minimizing the number of meters drilled (00:33:00). Brian Goldner stated that they aim to commence drilling in this area in July, contingent on contractor availability (00:34:17).
Talon Metals' Commitment to Mine Development Henri van Rooyen affirmed Talon Metals' strong desire to develop the Tamarack project and supply nickel to Tesla (00:45:18). He also expressed concern about the broader nickel supply chain, particularly for super alloys, and believes the Tamarack Project offers a crucial domestic solution to the growing crisis (00:46:19). Henri van Rooyen emphasized the importance of completing the project to meet the demand for high-purity nickel in critical industries (00:47:16).
Explanation of the Raptor Zone Anomaly Brian Goldner clarified the large electromagnetic (EM) anomaly beneath the Tamarack Deposit, located along the "Raptor Zone plane" (00:48:20). He confirmed that they have drilled this anomaly, intersecting mineralization with characteristics similar to the Tamarack Deposit, including semi-massive sulfides (00:49:15). This deep mineralization has led to a revised geological model suggesting potential vertical connectivity and the possibility of mineralization coming up vertically, opening new exploration avenues (00:50:19). While deep, Brian Goldner indicated that insights from this anomaly can inform their approach to exploring the new deep zone (00:51:21).
Disclosure: Author owns shares of TLO.TO at the time of publishing. Author may choose to buy or sell at any time without notice.
Disclaimer
The video is for informational purposes only and is neither a solicitation for the purchase of securities nor an offer of securities. Viewers are expressly cautioned to seek the advice of a registered investment advisor and other professional advisors, as applicable, regarding the appropriateness of investing in any securities or any investment strategies, including those discussed above. The stocks discussed in this video are high-risk venture stocks and not suitable for most investors. Consult Company SEDAR profiles for important risk disclosures. This interview contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively “forward-looking statements”). Certain information contained herein constitutes “forward-looking information” under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “expects”, “believes”, “aims to”, “plans to” or “intends to” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “will” occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, standard transaction risks; impact of the transaction on the parties; and risks relating to financings; regulatory approvals; foreign country operations and volatile share prices. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. Always thoroughly do your own due diligence and talk to a licensed investment adviser prior to making any investment decisions. Junior resource companies can easily lose 100% of their value so read company profiles on www.SEDARplus.com for important risk disclosures. It’s your money and your responsibility.