OUR VISION
By leading with unmatched reliability, we enable our global partners to materially reduce carbon emissions from the manufacturing and consumption of steel, creating a stronger, greener future for generations to come.
OUR VALUES
Sustainability: The safety of our people is our number one priority. A secure work environment is essential for preventing accidents, fostering a positive work culture and ensuring the continued success and sustainability of our operations. Additionally, we are dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint through innovative practices and efficient resource management today, with an eye toward the production of decarbonized Green Steel tomorrow. We aim to earn the respect of the communities in which we operate, and we do right by the land that provides the resources to power our world.
Integrity: We conduct our business with the highest ethical standards, pledging trust, transparency and honest communication in all our dealings. We are accountable for our actions and committed to doing what is right, even in challenging situations.
Innovation: We embrace new technologies and creative solutions to increase efficiencies, enhance our mining operations, reduce environmental impact and drive advancements across our industry.
Inclusivity: We value diverse perspectives and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone is, and feels, respected. Our commitment to inclusivity drives better decision-making and reflects our belief that diverse teams achieve greater success.
Teamwork: Collaboration, respect and open communication are the cornerstones of our success. We believe that everyone’s role is equally important and each teammate is expected to be focused on achieving our safety, environmental and production goals together.
Determination: We approach every challenge with relentless resolve and a focus on achieving our objectives. Determination drives us to overcome obstacles, persist in the face of adversity and continuously pursue excellence.
Performance: We set high standards for ourselves and are dedicated to achieving superior results in all aspects of our operations. Our commitment to performance means we consistently strive for excellence and measure our success by the value we deliver to stakeholders.
OUR HISTORY
1903 – With the opening of the Hawkins and La Rue mines in 1903, Nashwauk becomes the first mining town in Itasca County.
1967 – The M.A. Hanna Mining Company opens the Butler Taconite Mine in Nashwauk.
1985 – The Butler Taconite Mine closes, devasting Nashwauk’s economy.
2017 – Essar Group christens Mesabi Metallics, invests over $1.8 billion (and counting) into a new mine and DR grade pellet plant on the footprint of the Butler Taconite Mine.
2026 – Mesabi Metallics is on track to complete its mine and pellet plant in the first quarter of 2026 and commence commercial operations.
LEADERSHIP
Joe Broking, President & CEO
Joe has 29 years of experience in industry in the areas of executive management, operations management, HR management, corporate finance, treasury, capital fundraising, investor relations, compliance and risk management.
Joe served as the Director, President and CEO of Tacora Resources Inc. He led the transformation of the company’s Scully Mine, an iron ore concentrate producer located near Wabush, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, with a production capacity of 6-million tons per year and 550 employees, including 280 members of the United Steelworkers.
Additional experience: work with several multi-national corporations, international assignments, manufacturing management as well as economic development.
Larry Sutherland, President & COO
Larry has 49 years of experience in the mining and minerals industry. Over the years, he worked his way up to management roles including Plant Manager, General Manager, Vice President and President and CEO positions.
With U.S. Steel, Larry held the role of Plant Manager at Keetac and General Manager overseeing the entire Minnesota Ore Operations pelletizing facilities of Minntac and Keetac. After retiring from U.S. Steel, Larry served as Prairie River Minerals CEO before joining Mesabi Metallics.
Peter Miller, Chief Green Officer
Peter has 30 years of experience in project management, project development and permitting. He has managed multiple large projects throughout the U.S. with a focus on development, engineering and environmental compliance.
Prior to Mesabi, he was a business owner, C-Suite Executive and most recently managed the business development a $100M+ portfolio of clients for a Top 5 environmental engineering services firm as the Regional Sales and Growth leader.
Jessica Nelson, General Counsel & CLO
Jessica has 20 years of legal experience. Prior to Mesabi, she served as the company’s counsel while a Partner with Spencer Fane, LLP, securing significant legal victories and accomplishing key objectives for the company. She has substantial experience advising companies on legal strategy and compliance and representing businesses in high-stakes commercial litigation. While in private practice, she managed large legal teams and held several leadership positions, including the board of directors, compensation and nominating committees, head of antitrust practice group and co-lead of litigation department.
Jessica has repeatedly been recognized by national lawyer rankings and was selected as an Attorney of the Year in 2021 and a Top Woman in the Law in 2024 by Minnesota Lawyer.
Andre Figueiredo, Head of International Sales, Essar
Andre has 30 years of experience in the metals and mining industry, including 18 years at mining giant Vale, where he held key leadership roles as Director of Sales and Country Manager. For 4 years, he led pellet sales in the MENA region, spearheaded Vale’s re-entry into the Indian market and initiated iron ore sinter feed sales in Saudi Arabia. André also played a pivotal role in the initial phases of Vale’s megahubs in the GCC, contributing to the development of these strategic projects.
Additional experience includes investor relations, risk management, fund management, and corporate strategy, having led key initiatives in capital markets, financial risk mitigation and strategic corporate planning across global organizations.
Joey Nielsen, General Manager of Process
Joey has over 20 years of experience in project management and facilities engineering within the mining and steel industries. He served as a Senior Project Manager at U.S. Steel, where he lead capital projects from scoping through commissioning, while fostering collaboration between plant operations and project teams.
His roles include Director of Facilities Engineering at Lake Superior Consulting and General Manager for various operations, where he successfully managed budgets, developed engineering teams and executed strategic plans for continuous improvement.
William Everett, General Manager of Mine
William has 50 years of experience in Mine Management, Mine Engineering and Geology in the Minerals & Metals Sector with emphasis on modern technologies and sustainable/safe mining practices.
He is a registered member of the Society of Mining Engineers and a registered Geologist with the American Institute of Professional Geologists.
During his career, he has had personal experience with a wide range of mine planning activities across all phases including mine development, budgeting, production and reclamation. He has held a wide range of engineering, geologic and management positions during his career.
ABOUT ESSAR
Essar Group is a major Indian industrial conglomerate founded by Shashi Ruia and Ravi Ruia in 1969. Essar is renowned for its achievements in executing large-scale projects with national significance across India. Today, Essar Group operates in over 20 countries across various regions, including Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe and with over five decades of expertise, Essar has established itself as a leading global force in its sectors of expertise: Energy, Infrastructure & Logistics, Metals & Mining, and Technology & Retail.
Mesabi Metallics, an Essar Group company, aligns with global sustainability goals, illustrating Essar’s dedication to creating enduring value while supporting a transition towards a more sustainable future.
