While on site, Governor Walz witnessed a key milestone in concentrator equipment installation completion for line one
[NASHWAUK, MN] – Mesabi Metallics Company LLC (Mesabi Metallics) was honored to welcome Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for a site visit at its mine, beneficiation plant and pellet plant in Nashwauk, Minnesota this week. The Governor joined company leadership, union labor and regional officials for a lunch to celebrate construction progress and a full tour of the project. While on site, the Governor commemorated the equipment installation completion of the first of three lines inside the concentrator, a major step forward in the development of Mesabi’s project—the first new mine and pellet plant in Minnesota in nearly 50 years.
“I’m impressed by the progress at Mesabi Metallics—built by our union labor force—and I am encouraged by what this project means for our state’s economic future,” said Governor Walz. “This is about creating good-paying jobs, supporting union labor and building long-term opportunity right here on the Iron Range. What’s good for the Range is good for Minnesota.”
“It was a true honor and privilege to welcome our Governor to Mesabi Metallics,” said Rewant Ruia, Director at Essar Group and Chairman of Mesabi Metallics. “We are proud to be bringing a significant brand-new American supply of the highest-grade iron ore—mined in Minnesota to support the American steel industry, replace imports and bring this critical mineral supply chain back home to America.”
While on site, Governor Walz witnessed the completion of equipment installation of Mesabi’s first line inside the concentrator. The state-of-the-art concentrator building, standing at approximately 130 feet tall and the most sophisticated component of the project, will run three lines when fully commissioned, transforming iron ore into DR-grade pellets for Green Steel production.
“Today’s ribbon cutting marks more than just a milestone in construction—it’s a signal that the Iron Range is stepping into the future of mining and steel,” said Joe Broking, President & CEO of Mesabi Metallics. “We’re grateful to Governor Walz and our state and local partners for their continued support as we bring this vision to life.”
Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Commissioner Ida Rukavina, who also attended the event, emphasized the importance of long-term investment in the region’s workforce and economy. “Today’s visit demonstrates the progress that can be made when state leadership, industry and community work together,” said Commissioner Rukavina. “Projects like Mesabi Metallics are critical to creating family-sustaining jobs on the Iron Range and keeping our region a competitive and innovative industrial hub for generations to come.”
