-
Essar financing situtaion explained further
This morning, Mike Jennings of the Hibbing Daily Tribune explores the financing situation for Essar Steel Minnesota’s Nashwauk project, a combined mine and steelmaking operation currently in early construction. Essar, an India-based global corporation, is reportedly having some trouble securing necessary loans because of the credit situation. Jennings reports that State Sen. Tom Bakk will…
-
Essar financing woes highlight complicated Range economic scene
There’s a lot of commotion in the Iron Range economic development world this morning. Mike Jennings, editor of the Hibbing Daily Tribune, has returned from a long medical leave and broken a major story about the Essar Steel project in Nashwauk. Apparently, Essar is having trouble completing the financing package for the project and may…
-
Essar Steel, other Iron Range mining projects press forward amid bad economy
Yesterday, Business North published an exclusive story from Beth Bily about the forward progress on Essar Steel’s Minnesota steel project near Nashwauk on the Iron Range. In short, the project continues as planned, according to company officials, because they believe steel demand will return by the time construction is complete in a few years. And…
-
The Times chimes in on Essar Steel Minnesota
The Times of India, that is. Thanks to Rook for submitting the link in a comment. The Times of India profiles Friday’s big day on the Iron Range with the groundbreaking for Essar Steel Minnesota by Nashwauk. It was a big day for India, too, as this move and others like it are cementing Essar…
-
Essar Minnesota highlights huge day for the Iron Range (UPDATED)
Behold the news reports from Friday’s Essar Steel Minnesota groundbreaking near Nashwauk. I’ll update as I find more headlines. Here’s what I know: The Nashwauk Dairy Queen CHANGED ITS MARQUEE to say “Welcome Essar/MN Steel.” That NEVER happens. Now how will people know they are open “10 a.m. to 10 p.m.?” Doesn’t matter! In addition…
-
Essar restates desire to turn shovels soon on Minnesota Steel
The Grand Rapids Herald-Review reported yesterday on a presentation from Essar Steel to Itasca County about the giant Indian company’s impending groundbreaking for the Minnesota Steel project near Nashwauk. August, they say. And Essar officials are still talking like they plan to build the full steel mill with the iron concentrate mine, which has been…
-
Minnesota Steel project to be self-financed by Essar
Business North has a clear explanation of the current status of Essar’s Minnesota Steel Project on the Iron Range. Check it out.
-
Essar buys Minnesota Steel: Project is for real
The headline may seem redundant to a business section editor, but on the Iron Range we are so used to getting burned on big economic projects that we don’t start popping bottle tops until the ink is dry. (Or is it that we don’t STOP popping bottle tops until the ink is dry; maybe both).…
-
If a duck can be brave, we can be brave
Nature functions because it is certain despite its uncertainty. I’ve seen proof. Like most people of my time and place, I’ve had to live with a fair amount of uncertainty. In school, I agonized. Would she ever love me back? Was dad going to keep his job? Would I be able to afford the elite…
-
On joining the Minnesota Star Tribune editorial page
At last, I can share a really big update. This week, I joined the Minnesota Star Tribune as a full time columnist and member of the editorial board. I’ll be working remotely, based here at MinnesotaBrown World Headquarters in Balsam Township, with liberty to travel the state as necessary. In fact, I’ll be the first…
-
MinnesotaBrown Top Posts of 2024
Like a cookie from the jar, another year has disappeared with startling speed. As such, it’s time to compile some of my favorite and most popular writing from 2024. We’re now well past the era when I blogged daily in hot pursuit of the elusive viral clickstorm. Like I mentioned last year, I’m no longer…
-
The future is all thumbs
Arthur C. Clarke once wrote, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Before I go any further, let me ask you a question. How many thumbs would I need to have for you to think I was magic? One? No, that’s just a band saw accident. Two? (checks notes) Nope, that’s the regular amount.…
-
First Strib Voices column begins in an Iron Range underground mine
If you missed the news, I’m joining the newly rebranded Minnesota Star Tribune as a contributing columnist. My first column publishes today at StarTribune.com and Monday, Aug. 19 in the print edition. Today’s column: “Old family photo reveals how much has changed on the Iron Range.” This first piece was inspired by an old photograph…
-
Brown named contributing columnist for Minnesota Star Tribune
Today, I bring news for longtime readers of MinnesotaBrown.com. Starting next week, I join the Star Tribune as a contributing columnist. My columns will appear twice a month on the opinion page and StarTribune.com. This is a lifelong career goal I’ve been trying to manifest for at least 10 years. The Star Tribune is the…
-
Quiet craftsman builds things to last; so can we
Sad fact is, most of the expensive junk we buy won’t last any longer than us. My wallet is wearing out. I could use a new cell phone. In just the past few years, I’ve dumped an entertainment center, television and propane grill at the county waste station — each a valuable item in its…