The First New Iron Mine on Minnesota’s Iron Range in 50 Years
Mesabi Metallics fired its first blast on July 13 near Nashwauk, Minnesota, opening the first new iron mine on the Iron Range in half a century. Backed by $2.5 billion from India’s Essar Group, the mine will produce 7 million tonnes per year of direct-reduction grade iron pellets, the specific feedstock needed for a lower-carbon steelmaking process. Pairing DR-grade pellets with electric arc furnaces cuts CO2 per tonne of finished steel by nearly 40% compared to traditional blast furnaces. CEO Joe Broking said the goal is to be “the cleanest iron ore mine in North America,” using electrified equipment and diesel-electric haul trucks. The broader vision includes vertical integration with DRI and steel production at the site, though no investment decisions have been finalized on that front. Green steel has had plenty of demonstration projects. This is the supply chain being built to feed them at scale.Mesabi Metallics fired its first blast on July 13 near Nashwauk, Minnesota, opening the first new iron mine on the Iron Range in half a century. Backed by $2.5 billion from India’s Essar Group, the mine will produce 7 million tonnes per year of direct-reduction grade iron pellets, the specific feedstock needed for a lower-carbon steelmaking process. Pairing DR-grade pellets with electric arc furnaces cuts CO2 per tonne of finished steel by nearly 40% compared to traditional blast furnaces. CEO Joe Broking said the goal is to be “the cleanest iron ore mine in North America,” using electrified equipment and diesel-electric haul trucks. The broader vision includes vertical integration with DRI and steel production at the site, though no investment decisions have been finalized on that front. Green steel has had plenty of demonstration projects. This is the supply chain being built to feed them at scale.Expert summary pending. Showing the newcomer version.