Iron Mining Association of Minnesota

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

09/21/2026

Join the IMA for a free lunch and learn on Wednesday to stay ahead of key regulatory milestones. You’ll hear practical updates on the NPDES permitting process for United States Steel Corporation's Minntac facility, including compliance timelines, environmental review requirements, and sulfate discharge standards.

It’s a chance to connect with industry experts, ask questions, and align strategies ahead of the MPCA public meeting on September 29.

Event is free for IMA members. Register today, and lunch is on us. https://taconite.org/events/ima-membership-luncheon/

09/16/2026

IMA Executive Director Kristen Vake was proud to once again speak at the State of the Range, hosted by Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm.

This year’s event marked a milestone—the 85th anniversary of IRRR—and brought a full room together for an evening of regional updates, reflection, and celebration.

Kristen spoke about the state of Minnesota’s iron mining industry, sharing that while the Range faces real challenges, it also has strong opportunities ahead—and that turning that opportunity into progress will take collaboration, clear and timely permitting, and Iron Rangers continuing to show up and make their voices heard.

Thank you to IRRR for another great evening, and here’s to 85 years of service to the Iron Range.

09/15/2026

Registration for the IMA Annual Dinner is officially OPEN! Join us on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 for one of the most anticipated events of the year.

It’s an evening that brings together regional leaders to celebrate the people who power Minnesota’s iron mining industry and a look ahead to what’s next.

Don’t wait to reserve your spot—register today: https://taconite.org/events/ima-annual-meeting-and-dinner/

This is an IMA members-only event. If you’re not a member yet, join now: taconite.org/membership/join-now/

We can’t wait to see you there!