Senator Heintzeman statement on Mesabi Metallics’ Iowa Steel Plant project

Mesabi Metallics and the White House announced plans Monday for a $15 billion steel plant in Iowa, which is expected to become one of the largest steelmaking facilities in the United States.

The first phase is expected to produce approximately 7.5 million tons of steel annually, with production eventually reaching 10 million tons per year. The project is expected to support 5,000 to 6,000 construction jobs and at least 1,750 permanent jobs in Iowa. Iron ore for the plant will come from Mesabi Metallics’ mine in Nashwauk, Minnesota.

Senator Keri Heintzeman (R-Nisswa) issued the following statement: “Mesabi Metallics has been an incredible partner for northern Minnesota, and I am grateful for its investment in the Iron Range and the hundreds of jobs it is creating here. But it is difficult to see a $15 billion investment and 1,750 permanent jobs going to Iowa and not ask why this opportunity could not have been built here in Minnesota.

“Minnesota has the iron ore. We have the skilled workforce. We have communities that want these jobs and are ready to support this kind of investment. Yet once again, a major project tied directly to Minnesota’s natural resources is being built somewhere else.

“We cannot allow this to continue to be the norm. Minnesota should be competing aggressively for projects like this and making it easier for companies to invest, build, grow, and create good-paying jobs here. We have everything we need to compete. State leaders need to make sure Minnesota is a place where it is much easier to do business.”