New, Greener Pellet Plant Opens In Keewatin

KEEWATIN, Minn. — There’s a new $150-million pellet production plant In Keewatin. The new pellets contain less silica and more iron ore than traditional iron-ore pellets. Work began on the new U.S. Steel plant in 2022 and was completed last month on time and within budget.

During its construction phase, 250 construction jobs were created. Now in its operational phase, there are a total of 33 full-time positions to operate the plant. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was on hand for the official unveiling of the plant Thursday. He’s pleased that the new facility was built and that it’s already a benefit to the Iron Range and Minnesota.

“There’s a foundational piece of this, these are good-paying union jobs. These are jobs that built the middle class. These are the jobs that allow the people in this room to live the lives they choose to live, in the communities they choose to live,” said Governor Tim Walz.

The President and CEO of U.S. Steel spoke highly about the importance of this new pellet plant for all involved. “This facility is critical to the success of not just U.S. Steel but also Nippon. It all begins here. When we talk about mine melted in the U-S-A this is clearly a competitive advantage, this is the best mine site, Keetac and Minntac in all of Minnesota and nobody’s close to us,” said David B. Burritt.

The new pellets are greener and give the company a broader footprint in the industry while also better meeting it customers’ needs. The plant will produce up to 4 million tons of pellets each year.