Employing Minnesota

Minnesota's six iron mining and processing operations produce two-thirds of the iron ore used to make steel in the United States. Combined, they historically represent a $4 billion capital investment. They employ nearly 3,000 men and women directly in the mines who earn an average wage and benefit package worth approximately $65,000 a year.

The mines rely upon the expertise, services and goods provided by hundreds of businesses throughout the state and beyond. Without these key partners, plants couldn't be built, rock blasted, trucks repaired or computers installed. These highly specialized businesses help keep the environment clean, the furnaces working efficiently and the iron ore pellets flowing from the plants to the steel mills.

©2010 Iron Mining Association of Minnesota