SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, Cleveland Cliffs announced Northshore Mining – with a pellet plant in Silver Bay and a mine in Babbitt – will remain idle through at least April 2023. Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls) issued the following statement:
“Today’s announcement is most unwelcome for the dedicated employees of Northshore Mining who – due to no fault of their own – will continue to face uncertainty regarding when they can return to the job. Whenever Minnesotans face economic adversity, we have the responsibility to step up and help however we can. Previously, when mines faced prolonged shutdowns, we’ve come together to extend Unemployment Insurance benefits for impacted workers. Most laid-off workers from Northshore will exhaust their UI benefits before the legislature returns to Saint Paul in January. Therefore, it’s critical for lawmakers to come together in a special session and extend this vital economic lifeline for those sent home from their jobs. I hope Governor Walz will call us back to the Capitol to take care of these workers and their families during these tough times, and wrap up other important unfinished business from the legislative session.”