CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
Mesabi Metallics is on track to open the first new taconite mine and pellet plant in Minnesota in nearly 50 years, located in Nashwauk, the first mining town in Itasca County, on the site of the old Butler Mine that closed in 1985. Mesabi Metallics is on track to complete its mine and pellet plant in the first quarter of 2026 and commence commercial operations.
Our project is over 70% complete, and we have approximately 400 construction workers on site daily working to finish the job. Most of our major equipment is on site and ready for installation.
Our mine will be powered by cutting edge, environmentally friendly technologies, like electrically-powered shovels and drills, the best-available air pollution control systems and more.
Through the skill of our operators, maintainers and our engineers, we will produce 7-million metric tons of Direct-Reduction grade iron ore pellets every year.
INVESTMENT & EMPLOYMENT
Mesabi Metallics is committed to finishing this project. We have invested more than $1.8 billion in the project, with another investment of $550 million on the way—making this project one of the largest private investments in Minnesota history.
This translations into jobs across the region:
- Up to 600 union construction jobs, with some already filled and others anticipated in future construction phases.
- Over 350 permanent positions, offering long-term employment opportunities.
- An estimated 700 indirect jobs generated across the region, strengthening the economy and growing the local tax base.
LONG-TERM POTENTIAL
With generations of mine life and ore available, Mesabi Metallics intends to operate one of the most sustainable mining operations domestically. Our goal is to provide a long-term supply of high-quality Direction Reduction grade iron ore pellets shipping from the heart of U.S., minimizing the environmental impact and contributing to the carbon reduction goals of our customers.
