NASHWAUK — Mesabi Metallics said its direct reduction-grade taconite pellet plant is on track to start commercial operations on the Mesabi Range by the first quarter of 2026.
In a news release, the company said it’s expanding employee recruitment efforts this fall in anticipation of the plant’s opening in Nashwauk. These plans include tripling the size of its workforce from 30 employees to 75 to 100.
The company said it is seeking to add skilled professionals to its team to fill a variety of roles across multiple departments, including engineering, operations, environmental management and business administration roles.
There are open positions now and more are expected to be added in the coming weeks.
The taconite mining and pelletization operation seeks to revive the former Butler mine site and is expected to produce 7 million metric tons per year, according to Mesabi Metallics.
All the new positions will be based on site in Nashwauk, the company stated.
"Not only does this aid efficient business operations and a positive workplace culture, but even more importantly, Mesabi is committed to providing local, family-sustaining jobs and stimulating the Iron Range's economy," said Joe Broking, who became the Mesabi Metallics president and CEO in July, in the release.
The company said, once completed, its project will be the first new mine and pellet plant in Minnesota in nearly 50 years. Mesabi Metallics has spent over $1.7 billion on the project and plans to invest another $650 million before it's finished.
Mesabi Metallics began construction of the plant nearly a decade ago and has been locked in multiple mineral lease and antitrust lawsuits with Iron Range competitor Cleveland-Cliffs.