Minn. taconite operations close to capacity in 2011
Minnesota's taconite mining operations ran at or close to capacity in 2011.
The Mesabi Daily News reports that the Iron Range produced an estimated 38.9 million tons of iron pellets last year. That's 3.8 million tons more than in 2010, and much better than the 17.1 million in the downturn year of 2009.
Taconite producer Cliffs Natural Resources hired about 200 employees in 2011, although many of them were replacements for retirees.
Estimated taxes paid by the mines in 2011 were $73.2 million.
Bob Wagstrom, a specialist with the Minnesota Department of Revenue, expects production to increase slightly in 2012 and for taconite revenues to jump.
Craig Pagel, president of the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota, says demand for ore worldwide is staying strong, particularly from China and India.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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