OUR CULTURE
TAO: In its original sense, Tao (道) means “the Way” or “the Path” — not one rule to follow, but the direction everything is supposed to move in, together. It also stands for our three guiding values.
At Mesabi Metallics, culture is built on Teamwork, Agility, and Ownership—and a shared understanding of what we are building together.
The Mesabi Range helped build America. Now, after roughly 50 years without a new mine, Mesabi Metallics is helping write its next chapter. Our Nashwauk project is the first new mine and pellet plant built on the Range in about half a century, producing DR-grade pellets for the next generation of American steelmaking.
That means how we work matters. We treat people with dignity and respect, communicate openly, hold each other accountable, and take pride in doing the job right. We speak up when something is unsafe, unclear, or not working. We listen, adapt, solve problems, and continuously improve.
Everyone has a voice. Everyone has a role. Together, we are building what comes next.
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 $2.5 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 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 Sustainability 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, a Top Woman in the Law in 2024 by Minnesota Lawyer, the 2025 recipient of the University of St. Thomas School of Law’s Alumna Achievement Award and as Solo General Counsel of the Year as part of The American Lawyer’s 2025 Industry Awards.
Charles Sutton, Chief Development Officer
Charles has 12 years of experience in government affairs. Prior to joining Mesabi Metallics, he served as Principal of Sutton Consulting LLC, advising clients on government affairs, regulatory strategy and policy research. His background includes senior roles in Minnesota state and federal government. Charles holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School and brings deep experience navigating public policy, regulation and stakeholder engagement.
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.
Shane Holman, General Manager of Mine
Shane has over 20 years of operational and leadership experience in Minnesota’s iron ore industry to Mesabi Metallics. Prior to joining the company, he held a range of progressively senior roles across multiple Cleveland Cliffs facilities, including extensive assignments in both plant operations and mine management. His career includes 15 years in plant operations and five years in mining and broader management positions, ultimately serving as General Manager at the Northshore Mine.
OUR HERITAGE - 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.
