Homeland Nickel, led by CEO Steve Balch, is advancing plans to develop major nickel deposits within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Southern Oregon.

The Canadian company holds nine mining claims in the region, including Red Flat and Cleopatra. Balch estimates Cleopatra represents the single largest nickel deposit in the United States by tonnage, holding over 700 million pounds of the metal.

The firm intends to extract nickel from the region's laterite soil. While a 2017 federal ban restricts new mining claims in the area, Homeland Nickel can still develop its historic holdings with a US Forest Service permit. The company is currently processing federal licensing procedures in order to begin operations.

The firm intends to extract nickel from the region's laterite soil. While a 2017 federal ban restricts new mining claims in the area, Homeland Nickel can still develop its historic holdings with a US Forest Service permit. The company is currently processing federal licensing procedures in order to begin operations.