DULUTH, Minn.- Representatives from Enbridge and PolyMet were part of a Panel Discussion at the Reef in Duluth on Monday. The two companies, as well as Laborers Local 1091 and Minnesota Power, talked about the increased demand for trades in Responsible Industry in our region. “I also hope they get a chance to think about how they can make a…
DULUTH, Minn.- Future innovations and improvements in mining were among the topics discussed at the 92nd annual SME Minnesota Minerals Conference at the DECC on Monday. The theme of this year’s conference is “Mining for a Modern World.” Organizers brought together industry leaders who explored topics such as gold and surface mining. “They’re looking, as all of us are, to how…
DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota lawmakers heard directly from the community at a Town Hall forum in Duluth. Politicians present were State Representative Liz Olson, Senator Erik Simonson, and MNDOT Commissioner Margaret Kelliher. They sat onstage at the Norshor Theater where they were asked questions from constituents who wanted their voices heard. “I hope we can proceed with line 3 to get our…
CHISHOLM, Minn.- Chisholm business leaders, city and state officials, and employees heard a state of the business update from the iron ore mining company Cleveland-Cliffs. President, Chairman and CEO Lourenco Goncalves spent the beginning of his presentation detailing Cleveland-Cliffs’s growth since he took over in August 2014. But soon he delved into the environmental impacts of iron ore mining, clean steel-making…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s newest state Senator, Jason Rarick, has now been on the job for a little over one week since being sworn into office Wednesday, February 6. “It was a long month of hard work with some nasty weather but we were all really excited when we saw the final results,” said Rarick. Senator Rarick recently came out…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Nearly two months after being sworn into office, Minnesota’s 41st Governor, Tim Walz, is not holding back when it comes to environmental issues, recreational marijuana and infrastructure. “I’m a congressman from Southern Minnesota, I’m from Mankato, but I saw this as one Minnesota throughout my campaign,” said Governor Tim Walz. Walz is no stranger when it…
MINNEAPOLIS – A federal judge in Minnesota has lifted a hold that had been placed on four lawsuits challenging the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. Thursday’s decision by U.S. District Judge Joan Ericksen doesn’t list next steps, but her decision to lift the stay means the cases can proceed. The lawsuits filed by environmental groups seek to block…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Environmental groups are appealing air and water permits approved for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The groups argue the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ignored evidence that PolyMet intends to process more ore daily than called for in its air permit. And they argue the company’s water permit improperly allows pollutants to be discharged…
DULUTH, Minn.- The New Year will bring some big changes for businesses, including an increase in the Minnesota minimum wage. Starting in January, the minimum wage will increase to $9.86 for large employers, and $8.04 for small employers. This will be the 4th year the wage has increased, but only the second where it has increased based on inflation, going…
MINNEAPOLIS – Environmental groups have gone to court to challenge the state’s decision to grant key permits for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy and its allies say the permits would allow PolyMet to threaten water quality downstream for centuries, that they fail to address safety concerns about the mine’s proposed waste…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota officials are set to announce whether they are granting permits for a planned copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will announce its decision Thursday on permits sought for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. Environmentalists have opposed the mine for fear it could pollute pristine waters. PolyMet says…
HIBBING, Minn. (AP) – Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and the United Steelworkers have reached a tentative agreement on a new, four-year contract. The Cleveland-based company and the union announced the deal Sunday. The proposed contract takes effect Monday and covers about 1,800 union workers at Cliffs’ Tilden and Empire mines in Michigan and its United Taconite and Hibbing Taconite mines in Minnesota….
MILWAUKEE (AP) – Komatsu Mining Corp. says it plans to build a new headquarters and manufacturing campus in Milwaukee, a project that will bring about 440 jobs to Wisconsin’s largest city. The state’s economic development agency has pledged to make $59.5 million in state income tax credits available to the company over the next 12 years if Komatsu meets job-creation…
FORBES, Minn.- In the midst of a legal battle with Mesabi Metallics, and days after suing the DNR, Cleveland Cliffs Chairman, President and CEO Lourenco Goncalves passionately talked of the company’s future plans, at a press conference today. Among the topics discussed was an update on the steelworkers’ potential strike situation. Rather than a strike, Goncalves wants to strike a…
NASHWAUK, Minn.- Nashwauk City Hall, abuzz with anticipation as Governor Mark Dayton updated local officials about the Mesabi Metallics proposed iron ore pellet mine. In a meeting closed to press, Dayton says he’s been promised by Mesabi’s CEO that reconstruction of the site will start in March of 2019. “My mother used to say actions speak louder than words,” said…
KEEWATIN, Minn. – After months of negotiations, no deal has been reached between U.S. Steel and the United Steelworkers union. Now, local unions are voting to authorize a strike. Monday, workers from the MinnTac mine in Mountain Iron voted unanimously to authorize a strike. Tuesday, workers at the KeeTac mine in Keewatin voted to do the same. If a strike…
KEEWATIN, Minn. (AP) – U.S. Steel and the United Steelworkers union have not reached a labor deal as the deadline on their contracts approaches. United Steelworkers Local 1938 says if a deal is not reached by midnight Saturday, workers will decide the next steps, which could include a strike. Workers believe the wage increases being offered aren’t enough after years…
VIRGINIA, Minn.- Chants rang out filled with passion, and even anger. Members of the United Steel Workers union Local 1938 gathered in Virginia to protest what they feel is an insulting and unfair contract offer. “The CEOs shouldn’t live a life of luxury while the middle class worker struggles to eat and pay his bills,” said Steelworker Richard Poskarbiewicz. The proposed…
ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Department of Natural Resources has rejected a clean water group’s petition for an additional environmental review of the PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. WaterLegacy argued in its request last month that critical details of the plan have changed so much since the final review was approved in 2016 that a supplemental environmental impact statement is needed….
DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, August 14, residents in Minnesota and Wisconsin have the chance to make their voice heard during the 2018 Primary Election. Tuesday morning, Cindy Rugeley, UMD Associate Professor of Political Science, gave her insight on the importance of the primary election. Races up for grabs include Governor, Congress, Senate, Attorney General and many more local races….
DULUTH, Minn. – Cleveland Cliffs announced Monday that the United State Bankruptcy Court reaffirmed the 2017 Cliffs acquisition of the land in Nashwauk. The ruling resolved the land dispute between Cliffs and Glacier Park Iron Ore Properties LLC ruling in favor of Cliffs. Cliffs now expects to be able to utilize the acquired real estate interests to implement a financially…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A clean water group has petitioned state and federal regulators for another environmental review for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The project has already undergone an extensive environmental review, and PolyMet is now seeking permits. But Paula Maccabee, an attorney for WaterLegacy, says critical details have changed so much since what was…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Mark Dayton announced Wednesday that Chippewa Capital Partners has satisfied all of the terms necessary to reinstate its state mineral leases, for a proposed Nashwauk mining project. “The project’s emergence from bankruptcy in December 2017 was an important step toward Chippewa Capital Partners’ goal of finishing the plant’s construction and beginning production,” Dayton said in…
(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski, File)MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Nine Minnesota businesses that rely on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area have sued the Interior Department, challenging its decision to reinstate the federal mineral rights leases for the planned Twin Metals copper-nickel mine near Ely. The lawsuit filed in federal court in the District of Columbia on Thursday says the department’s decision was unlawful…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A bill containing a provision from Sen. Tina Smith to complete a land exchange between PolyMet Mining Corp. and the federal government has cleared the Senate. The Minnesota Democrat’s amendment is part of a big defense bill that passed 85-10 Monday. PolyMet needs the land for its planned copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The company would get…
DULUTH, Minn. – The American Indian community housing organization’s second indigenous mural project in Duluth was unveiled. It’s located at 2301 W. Superior St. The mural is a collaboration with the College of Saint Scholastica’s Public Art Program. The artist says the inspiration behind the mural was housing, indigenous food systems and culture. “I would hope when people look at…
DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 85 years ago on Tuesday, May 22, United States Congress declared May 22 National Maritime Day. National Maritime Day is a tradition for many and a day recognizing America’s Merchant Marine for their legacy of service and sacrifice, safeguarding our nation and its trade corridors during times of war and peace. Residents and visitors in the…
DULUTH, Minn.- President Trump’s decision about steel and aluminum tariffs is bringing a lot of mixed reaction from the Northland. Mines in the Northland are expecting the steel and aluminum tariffs to have a positive affect in Minnesota. Officials say Minnesota produces %85 of the domestic iron For the united state the tariffs could possibly bring more jobs to mines in…
DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Historical Society is filled with stories of all the different cultures that have passed through and immigrated to the area. Now, historical society officials are hoping to share those stories with the Northland. The historical society has 16 traveling exhibits available for rent. Any organization can borrow them from schools and churches to…
DULUTH, Minn. – A delegation from Amnesty International was in Duluth Monday sharing their experiences from the 2014 Mount Polley Copper Mine disaster in British Columbia, Canada. The delegation also met with local leaders to discuss the future of mining. They’re helping to lead a discussion about what regulations are being put in place to ensure safety if the proposed…
WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Rick Nolan has announced he will be retiring at the end of his term. Rep. Nolan made the announcement through a letter to the press Friday morning. Nolan has represented Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District since 2013. Previously, he represented Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District from 1975-1981. Rep. Nolan’s letter: “To the great people of Minnesota’s 8th District…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are hosting the final public meeting in Duluth surrounding the proposed PolyMet project. At stake are the permits needed for PolyMet’s proposed copper-nickel mine near Babbitt. PolyMet meetings continue in the Northland and today at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), hundreds are expected to voice their opinions on the NorthMet mining project….
EVELETH, Minn. – Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is starting 2018 with a goal of bringing more jobs to the Iron Range and to continue expanding operations. That was the talk of Cliffs’ 2017 State of the Company event in Eveleth. From the number of new jobs Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. brought to Minnesota to its financial performance, 2017 was a memorable year for the company. The Eveleth Auditorium was a…
MINNEAPOLIS-The U.S. Forest Service is downgrading an environmental review for a proposed copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The Forest Service says it will do an environmental assessment, rather than an environmental impact statement, on Twin Metals’ proposed project. Supporters say the mine would bring hundreds of needed jobs. Opponents fear the mining could lead to sulfuric acid and other toxic…
NASHWAUK, Minn.-The United Steelworkers union has announced that they have entered into an agreement with Mesabi Metallics at the company’s Nashwauk taconite mining and processing site, which is still being built. The agreement will allow the USW to organize the Mesabi Metallics workers into the union without interference from the company. “The steelworkers have a long and deep history of…
HOYT LAKES, Minn. – A three-year-long project is highlighting the hard work and legacy of a taconite plant that helped build a town. Former employees from Erie Mining Company are working together on a new project. They’ve been researching a writing a book detailing the beginning and end of the taconite plant. “We’re dying off. If we don’t do it…
DULUTH, Minn. – Former miners on the Iron Range are working together to ensure the legacy and history of the Erie Mining Company is never forgotten. A group of Erie Mining alum is writing a book with oral history recounts and information about the company throughout the years. The book will be distributed to libraries and stores around the Northland,…
MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton was on the Iron Range Wednesday. The Governor met with community leaders about issues important to Northern Minnesota. Increasing local government aid, funding various bonding projects, and moving the Polymet project forward were some of the important issues discussed with Governor Dayton. The Range Association for Municipalities and Schools, or RAMS, held…
VIRGINIA, Minn. (AP) _ A pro-mining group is suing to overturn an order by Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton that dealt a blow to the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine near Ely. Dayton last March directed the Department of Natural Resources not to enter into any new access or lease agreements for mining operations on state-owned lands near the Boundary Waters…
CLEVELAND-More than 60 million tons of iron ore were shipped on the Great Lakes in 2017, a 10.9 percent increase over 2016. It was the highest total recorded since 2012. The Lake Superior ports that go through the Soo Locks saw their loadings increase by 9.9 million tons, which is 23.6 percent. Shipments from Canadian ports in the St. Lawrence…
MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.-The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has invited the public to make comments on a proposed denial of Minntac’s water quality permit at its Mountain Iron facility. A hearing is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Mountain Iron Community Center where reasons for the denial are presented. The denial directly impacts the site owned by…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A contentious copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota has taken another step forward with state regulators releasing a crucial draft permit for public comment. PolyMet Executive Vice President Brad Moore calls Friday’s release “a major milestone for the project” after more than 10 years of environmental review and permitting. The draft “permit to mine” includes a requirement that…
MINNEAPOLIS-A contentious copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota has taken another step forward with state regulators releasing a crucial draft permit for public comment. PolyMet Executive Vice President Brad Moore calls Friday’s release “a major milestone for the project” after more than 10 years of environmental review and permitting. The draft “permit to mine” includes a requirement that PolyMet provide a…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Port normally sees cold temperatures like these in January, but officials say it’s the most ice on the lake at this time of year since about 2001. The freeze is happening so early it’s starting to hamper some of the ship movement, particularly in Lake Erie, which is much shallower than Lake Superior. Ships that would…
(Garret Ellison | MLive)MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – An administrative law judge delayed approval of a divisive oil pipeline in northern Minnesota so the environmental impact statement can be revised. The decision from Judge Ann O’Reilly last week is a response to a Public Utilities Commission’s finding that the project’s impact statement was “inadequate.” The PUC on Dec. 7 gave the Department…
ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Trump administration has resurrected an effort to build the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. Last December, the Obama administration declined to renew the long-standing leases that the company needs for the underground mine it wants to build near Ely. But an in opinion published Friday, a top attorney at the U.S. Interior Department concluded…
MADISON, Wis.-Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill lifting Wisconsin’s moratorium on gold and silver mining. Walker voted to impose the moratorium when he was in the state Assembly in 1998. He signed the Republican legislation Monday anyway. His spokesman, Tom Evenson, has said Walker believes mining can be done without harming the environment. Under current state law, sulfide mining…
ITASCA COUNTY, Minn.-Cleveland Cliffs has completed the acquisition of real estate in Itasca County from Glacier Park Iron Ore Properties. The acquisition includes a combination of undivided and whole fee interest land, along with mineral and surface leases, which are found in the Biwabik Iron Formation. In total, they have acquired 553 acres and the acreage being leased is about…
VIRGINIA, Minn.-Unemployment rates on the Iron Range have reached their lowest level since the millennium, reaching four percent in September. This comes on the heels of the mining industry gaining strength while also getting solid performances out of seasonal construction and tourism jobs. Local labor experts tell us the trend is expected to continue on. “It’s kind of expected for…
VIRGINIA, Minn.- The employment opportunities on the Iron Range, are allowing more Northlanders to stay where their roots are. “Everybody is employed, it’s a great thing for us and we’ve seen that economic boom,” Virginia Mayor Larry Cuffe said. The mines are in full swing, the health care industry is also providing jobs for many workers. Mayor Cuffe said part…
