news mining

Dayton Discusses Development of Mesabi Metallics Site

Governor and Local Politicians Meet at Nashwauk City Hall

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…

St. Louis County Board Expected to Oppose North-South Split

Those Who Want Split Argue Mining Money Disproportionately Given to Duluth

VIRGINIA, Minn.-The St. Louis County Board is expected to come out against potential legislation for a referendum on whether to split the northeastern Minnesota county into its northern and southern halves. Commissioner Keith Nelson says the idea goes against the board’s priorities as one county. The Mesabi Daily News reports his resolution is on the agenda for Tuesday’s county board…

Cleveland-Cliffs Purchases Mining Property in Itasca County

Cliffs Trying to Create New Plans for Site

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…

Mining Could Become Easier To Do in Minnesota After House Passes Mining Focused Act

Mining Act Could Help Revitalize Twin Metals Mine

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Earlier today, an act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, which would make it easier to mine in Minnesota. “Mining has been a way of life for Minnesotans since the 1800s and is a crucial part of our state’s economy,” said Rep. Tom Emmer (R), of Minnesota’s Sixth District, who also sponsored the bill. “Unfortunately, in its…

Mesabi Metallics Gets New Life

Construction Could Begin by June 1

NASHWAUK, Minn.-Mesabi Metallics partially built plant in Nashwauk got some new life yesterday as a Delaware judge ordered that they can use up to $5 million, that had been locked up in a bankruptcy case. According to court documents, the company may lose some environmental permits if they do continue construction by June 1. The company was formally known as…

Judge Allows Environmentalists to Intervene in Mine Lawsuit

Hope in Trump to Help Mine

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)-A federal judge has approved an environmental group’s request to intervene in a lawsuit over mineral rights leases for the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine near Ely. Judge Susan Richard Nelson said in a ruling Tuesday that Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness meets the legal requirements for becoming a defendant in the lawsuit. Twin Metals Minnesota filed the…

County Board Shows Support for National Forest Mining and Fighting Invasive Species

DULUTH, Minn.-The St. Louis County Board today approved a resolution in support of copper mining in Superior National Forest and funding to fight aquatic invasive species. The copper mining resolution calls on Trump’s administration to reverse President Obama’s decision to block mining in 234,000 acres of the forest. Last week, commissioners heard arguments on both sides of the issues, and…