Leadership

Lawrence Sutherland

President and Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Sutherland is responsible for day-to-day leadership on the Mesabi Metallics site, ensuring the mine and plant are properly and efficiently built and commissioned so they are operationally ready when construction is completed. He has more than 45 years of experience in the iron and steel industry, much of it on the Mesabi Range. in his career, he was employed at the predecessor Butler Taconite facility as a millwright until 1985. Mr. Sutherland was also with U.S. Steel until 2020, where he managed the Minnesota Ore Operations for the company (Keetac and Minntac).

William Everett

Chief Engineer of Mine

Mr. Everett oversees Mesabi Metallics’ mineral resources, mine planning activities, mine engineering work, future mine production equipment selection, and mine equipment maintenance analysis. He has more than 40 years of professional experience in the taconite industry on the Mesabi Range, with a background in geology, mine engineering, and mine operations.

David Sorby

Senior Manager of Site

Mr. Sorby directs department heads on each stage of the construction project to ensure successful completion. Additionally, he monitors Mesabi Metallics’ overall business activities to ensure operational excellence. He has 30 years of management experience in construction, operations, and maintenance.

Melwyn D'Lima

Melwyn D’Lima

Vice President – Contract Management

Mr. D’Lima leads Mesabi Metallics’ contract management department based upon more than 30 years of experience in this area, as well as contract negotiations. He is experienced in the development and execution of large-scale projects in the metals, oil, cement and power plants industries.

Photo of Kendra Powers

Kendra Powers

Human Resource Manager

Ms. Powers is responsible for human resource functions including performance management, talent acquisition, and benefit and payroll administration. She has more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources and Administration and has spent the last decade working in the taconite mining industry.

Photo of Neal Oja

Neal Oja

Reliability, Planning & Scheduling Manager

Mr. Oja manages Mesabi Metallics’ Reliability, Planning & Scheduling department. He previously served in other management roles at the company including procurement. Mr. Oja has vast electrical and management experience.

Photo of Ray Jones

Ray Jones

Area Manager of Pellet Plant

Mr. Jones serves as an area manager overseeing construction of Mesabi Metallics’ pellet plant. He has 15 years of taconite mining experience in both operations and management and has served in various management roles since joining the company in 2012.

Photo of Ryan Heule

Ryan Heule

Environmental Manager

Mr. Heule leads Mesabi Metallics’ Environmental Department and is responsible for site permitting, compliance and government reporting. He has vast experience in the mining, production, and manufacturing industries.

Photo of Patty Marsh

Patty Marsh

Warehouse Supervisor

Ms. Marsh oversees comprehensive warehouse activities including directing contractors. Previously she served in accounting and then purchasing at Mesabi Metallics. She has more than 20 years of experience in accounting, purchasing and inventory management.