Cleveland-Cliffs to Lay Off 630 Iron Range Steelworkers

HIBBING/VIRGINIA, Minn. — Cleveland-Cliffs, the leading steel producer in North America, is temporarily idling more than 600 steelworkers at Hibbing Taconite and Minorca mine.

The layoffs will begin May 20th, or within the two-week period after that.

In two letters received by the State Rapid Response Team (SRRT) from Cleveland Cliff Inc., Cliffs expects to lay off 25 salaried employees and 230 United Steel workers at Hibbing Taconite. At Minorca mine, 42 salaried employees and 300 union workers are set to be laid off.

Cleveland-Cliffs says the “temporary idles are necessary to re-balance working capital needs and consume excess pellet inventory produced in 2024.”

We spoke with Minnesota House Representative Spencer Igo about what lawmakers can do to help support unemployed steelworkers as it’s unknown how long temporarily laid offs is.

“Right now what we need to focus on is this is just emphasizing how important it is that we pass not only policy here down at the state legislature, but continue to support policy at the federal level that puts workers first and puts the American economy first,” said Rep. Spencer Igo of District 7-A. “You know, one of the best things that’s going to push us back to getting these mines back open is guaranteeing that we continue to increase the cost or the price of steel and that is steadily climbing again, and that would that’s a huge driver in this conversation. Even when they crush us Rangers turn into steel, and that’s how our community is going to be right now, as we’re facing this other challenge, we’re going to turn into steel.”

Minnesota Senator Grant Hauschild was first to break this news. In his news release, the senator said he’s focused on working closely with Cleveland-Cliffs to find a way to restart the two mines when conditions allow.

“This is difficult news for our steelworkers, their families, and our entire Iron Range community,” wrote Hauschild. “Mining isn’t just an industry here — it’s our way of life. The men and women who work in our mines are the backbone of the Range, and their hard work has built and sustained communities across Minnesota for generations. When our Steelworkers hurt, we all hurt.”

A spokesperson from Cleveland-Cliffs returned our request for comment. They wrote, “Cleveland-Cliffs has issued WARN notices related to the planned idle of its Minorca mine and partial idle of its Hibbing mine. These temporary idles are necessary to rebalance working capital needs and consume excess pellet inventory produced in 2024. 630 employees will be impacted following the completion of the 60-day WARN period. We remain committed to supporting our employees and communities while monitoring market conditions.”

Cleveland-Cliffs says the layoffs may last more than 6 months.