Investment ushers in new generation of iron ore mining on the Range

Today Senator Robert Farnsworth (R-Hibbing) attend the ribbon cutting for the new facility expansion at Keetac in Keewatin, MN.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work being done at Keetac today and this expansion is a commitment to the future of success of mining on the Range,” Sen. Farnsworth said. “Minnesota is and will always be a national leader in iron ore mining. This new facility ushers in the future of steel-making that is more efficient and still a very high-quality product. The jobs to build and work the facility are good-paying union jobs that will attract the best of the workforce. This facility is something every Minnesotan can be proud of.”

The expansion begins a new generation of iron making with DR-grade pellets. These pellets contain less silica and more iron than traditional iron-ore pellets. DR-grade pellets are highly sought after for the nation’s electric arc furnaces, which create about 70% of steel in the U.S.