St. Paul, Minn. (Feb. 15, 2023)Jobs for Minnesotans released the below statement following today’s announcement that PolyMet Mining and Teck Resources have closed the NewRange Copper Nickel LLC joint venture agreement to develop the NorthMet project and further study the Mesaba opportunity:

“The closure of the NewRange Copper Nickel joint venture is exciting news for northeast Minnesota and supporters of responsible domestic mineral production. This joint venture represents a $170 million investment and vote of confidence by two premier global mining companies – PolyMet and Teck Resources – that Minnesota is the place to safely and responsibly mine domestically for minerals needed for battery storage and clean energy technologies. 

“The joint venture announced today builds upon the Iron Range’s mining legacy and brings Minnesota another step closer to answering the global climate, humanitarian and geopolitical challenges related to sourcing the clean energy minerals the world needs.

“Jobs for Minnesotans looks forward to the NorthMet project’s last three permits being reactivated and beginning construction soon, as well as the further investment in the Mesaba deposit which could bring even more family-sustaining jobs to the region while also protecting the environment,” said Jobs for Minnesotans Board Chair David Chura.

About Jobs for Minnesotans

Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 2,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.

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