SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, U.S. Steel announced plans to upgrade its iron ore capabilities in Minnesota with a $150 million investment toward a system dedicated to producing Direct Reduced (DR)-grade pellets. The plant will be located at either its Keetac or Minntac facility on the Iron Range.
Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL – Hibbing) issued the following statement:
“I’m pleased by U.S. Steel’s announcement of such a sizable investment in our region. With blast furnaces becoming obsolete, demand for DR-grade pellet production as part of the steelmaking process will continue to increase, and it only makes sense for the company to expand in an area with such a rich heritage as the Range. I hope the project will ultimately be based at the Keetac facility to help stabilize jobs for these workers and help secure its future viability.”