SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld a previous district court ruling affirming the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ decision to terminate Mesabi Metallics’ mineral leases near Nashwauk.
Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL – Aurora) issued the following statement:
“Today’s ruling validates the truth we all knew about a company that over and over again failed northern Minnesota. Instead of creating new jobs and economic opportunities, all the Essar Steel and Mesabi Metallics debacles brought to our region were years of broken promises, unnecessary litigation, false starts, and false hope. Thankfully, the time of disappointment appears to be over and we can soon turn to a new chapter. It’s now imperative that the state of Minnesota work with a proven and trusted company that has demonstrated a commitment to our region – through its actions, not words. I believe there is only one viable company that will utilize the state mineral resources near Nashwauk to the benefit of our mining region.”