My new essay appears in the Minnesota Reformer today. (“Good news on the Iron Range: $2 billion Mesabi Metallics is finally happening; for real this time.”) Like much of what I write, it will interest readers on the Mesabi Iron Range. But the impact hits wider. Here we see the corporate maneuvering that shapes our entire economy.
In short, money talks. And, when it wants to, it moves faster than public opinion.
In 2008, Essar Steel’s new high tech iron ore mine and production facility near Nashwauk promised to launch northern Minnesota’s mining region into the future. Instead, it mired the Iron Range in 15 years of delays and dashed hopes. Two companies went bankrupt trying to make the project happen and many local workers and contractors were left holding the bag.
Now a reorganized version of the first company, the Essar Group, regained control of the facility. They’re financed and racing to finish the project, even as many — myself included — brimmed with skepticism.
Well, last week I toured the construction site near Nashwauk, just a few miles from my home in rural Itasca County. Steel skeletons now sport metal flesh. You can’t believe everything that mining officials say, but you can always believe their money. These folks are building a mine. When it’s done, it will be the most technologically advanced iron mine in Minnesota. That’s good news that many Rangers, for a variety of reasons, just don’t want to believe.
Read more in today’s essay at the Minnesota Reformer. I enjoy my new column with the Minnesota Star Tribune, but still believe in the steadfast team of journalists at the Reformer. They’re member supported, so please consider offering your support.
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