SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced it will recommend mineral leases at the former Mesabi Metallics site in Nashwauk to be awarded to Cleveland-Cliffs.
Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL – Aurora) issued the following statement:
“There have been years of broken promises and missed deadlines, and as a result, the people of the Iron Range have had to experience economic turmoil for far too long. Today, the uncertainty surrounding this project is finally coming to an end. I’m grateful to Governor Walz and the Minnesota DNR for performing their thoughtful due diligence on this process and coming to a conclusion that benefits our region, the mining industry, and the state of Minnesota. I’m also thankful for the incredible advocacy from our partners in labor.
“Cliffs has demonstrated a real commitment to the people of our region. I’ve been working to see this result come to fruition for many years – with the leases going to a proven, reputable company – and I’m proud to have brought people around the table so we could finally arrive at a solution like the one announced today. The relief workers, families, businesses, and communities will experience following this news cannot be overstated, and I could not be more happy for the people of our region. There are still some steps to come – including final approval from the Executive Council – but today is a very good day on the Iron Range, and it validates the years of hard work.