Talon Metals Corp said it has added three experienced former Rio Tinto members to the Talon team.
The base metals company is working to advance its Tamarack Nickel Project in Minnesota towards production and as it aligns itself as a strategic player in the domestic electric vehicle (EV) supply chain.
The three additions, who are well-versed on the Minnesota project, will take on senior roles at Talon as the company continues to execute its goals.
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Talon is in a joint venture deal for Tamarack with mining giant Rio Tinto PLC (LSE:RIO). As part of the agreement, Talon can earn up to a 60% stake in the project.
According to the announcement, Todd Malan will become Chief External Affairs Officer and Head of Climate Strategy when he joins the company in September. Previously, Todd was Vice President for Corporate Relations - Canada & Americas for Rio Tinto. During his time in that role, he had regional responsibility for government relations and media and led the corporate relations function for the Rio Tinto Aluminum business globally.
Talon’s new Vice President of Exploration will be Brian Goldner, who brings 15 years of geology and exploration experience from his time at Rio Tinto, of which the vast majority was spent directly on the Tamarack Nickel Project.
Goldner holds degrees in Geology and Geography from Gustavus Adolphus College and completed his master's thesis on the Tamarack Nickel Project at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
Last but not least, Dean Rossell, will take on the role of Chief Geologist. Rossell spent three decades at Rio Tinto before retiring and is widely regarded as one of the top nickel geology experts globally.
Rossell is known for having discovered the only two high-grade nickel deposits in the US, namely the Eagle Mine in Michigan and the Tamarack Nickel Project in Minnesota.
"We are thrilled to have three seasoned Rio Tinto members join the Talon team," Henri van Rooyen, CEO of Talon said in the statement. "Brian and Dean have a long history with the Tamarack Nickel Project and it will be great to have them formally join the Talon team as executives.”
He continued: “Todd Malan's move to Talon reflects that we are entering a new phase in our journey to become a leading contributor to the United States electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain. With his broad external experience at Rio Tinto and Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), I am excited that Todd will join our senior leadership team to advance the project through permitting to production. His experience in permitting mining projects, partnering with communities, engaging with government and media will be a game-changer for Talon and the Tamarack Nickel Project."
Malan also commented on his addition to the Talon Metals C-Suite.
"The Tamarack Nickel Project is a gem among the critical mineral projects in North America," said Malan. "I have long admired the Talon team and enjoyed my visits to Minnesota over the years to see its progress. I am very excited to join the Talon team and help to move the project forward to production."
He went on to say: "Nickel is an essential material in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain. If the USA wants to lead the world in technology to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and decarbonization, then we must have a secure domestic source of nickel produced under our high environmental rules."
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