Iron Mining Association of Minnesota

10/28/2026

The IMA Annual Meeting and Dinner is just one week away, and we’re looking forward to a great evening.

It’s one of our favorite traditions of the year—a night to catch up with familiar faces, recognize what our industry accomplished in 2026, and raise a glass to the people and communities that keep the Iron Range strong.

If you’re joining us, we’d love to know. Hit the Like button and drop a comment to let us know you’re coming! 👍 And don’t forget that our $5,000 raffle drawing will take place that evening (you don’t need to be present to win).

We can’t wait to see everyone next week.

10/26/2026

Today is the final day to submit public comments on U.S. Steel’s Minntac wastewater permit. If you haven’t yet, there’s still time to make your voice heard in support of Minntac and the thousands of jobs, communities, and businesses it supports across the Iron Range.

Comments are due by the end of the day. Find everything you need to write and submit your letter here: taconite.org/tailings-basin-permit/

Thank you for standing up for the Iron Range.

Make your voice heard by submitting a public comment to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Deadline: October 26, 2026

10/23/2026

🎒 Did you know Minnesota’s Permanent School Fund distributed a record $63.8 million to schools across the state in 2025/26?

Nearly 70% of the Fund’s annual revenue comes from rents and royalties tied to iron ore mining and taconite leases on Minnesota's School Trust Lands. That support reaches classrooms in every corner of the state, from the Iron Range to the Twin Cities and everywhere in between.

When Minnesota mines iron, every student benefits. Minnesota minds are supported by Minnesota mines.

10/20/2026

There’s still time to make your voice heard in support of Minntac.

The public comment period for U.S. Steel’s Minntac wastewater permit is open through October 26, and written comments are critical. Questions raised at the public meeting were not entered into the official record, which makes letters the most important way to show support now.

Minntac’s impact on the Iron Range, our communities, Minnesota schools, and the American steel industry can’t be overstated. We’ve prepared resources to help you and your company write and submit a letter.

More info here: https://taconite.org/tailings-basin-permit/

10/19/2026

As the public comment period for U.S. Steel’s Minntac wastewater permit closes October 26, accurate information matters.

A new Minnesota Star Tribune commentary from the co-chairs of the Iron Ore Alliance sets the record straight on Minntac’s future, its permitting timeline, wild rice restoration, and the water treatment U.S. Steel is planning. We encourage you to give it a read.

Read here:

Iron Rangers deserve good jobs, clean water, healthy wild rice and thriving communities. They can have it all.

10/16/2026

This year’s IMA Annual Meeting and Dinner comes with a little extra excitement. 💸

We’re raffling off a $5,000 grand prize, and with only 700 tickets available at $20 each, this is a chance worth taking a look at (and you don’t even need to be present at the dinner to win!).

The drawing will take place on November 4 during an evening dedicated to connecting with colleagues, celebrating the past year, and looking ahead to what’s next for Minnesota’s iron mining industry.

If you’d like to purchase tickets or help sell them, please send us a direct message.

09/30/2026

The Iron Range is hiring, and many IMA members are actively looking for skilled, motivated people ready to build a career in the mining industry. The IMA job openings page is the easiest way to see what’s available.

From welders and engineers to maintenance technicians, shift managers, sales representatives, and more, opportunities are waiting. Take the next step toward a career in one of Minnesota’s most important industries.

Browse openings: taconite.org/job-openings/

09/28/2026

Tables are filling fast for the 2026 IMA Annual Dinner! On November 4, 2026, we’ll gather to celebrate the people, the progress, and the future of Minnesota’s iron mining industry.

It’s a members-only tradition you won’t want to miss—reserve your seat before they’re gone. Register here: https://taconite.org/events/ima-annual-meeting-and-dinner/

Not yet a member? Join today: taconite.org/membership/join-now/

09/22/2026

Registration is now open for Smoke School! Offered for members through AeroMet, this training provides the certification needed for visible emissions evaluation—an important requirement for many working in and around the mining and industrial sectors.

Save the date for Thursday, October 8, 2026, and be sure to register early, as spots are limited. Register here: https://taconite.org/events/smoke-school-fall-2026/

This is a members-only event. Not yet an IMA member? Join now: https://taconite.org/membership/join-now/

09/22/2026

Next week, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will host a public informational meeting on the draft wastewater permit for United States Steel Corporation's Minntac facility tailings basin.

The meeting will provide information on the draft permit, explain how to submit a public comment, and include a question-and-answer session with MPCA staff.

🗓️ Tuesday, September 29, 2026
🕠 Doors open at 5:30 PM; presentation begins at 6:00 PM

The draft industrial wastewater permit is open for public comment through October 12, 2026. Written comments may also be submitted online.

Event details and registration: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/events-and-meetings/us-steel-minntac-wastewater-permit-informational-meeting-2026-09-29