News - Jobs For Minnesotans

Mine Expo Focuses on Miners Needs

September 11, 2013

Known for its rich mining industry and history, the Iron Range economy is driven by its largest group of workers — miners.

The Iron Range Miners’ Expo Tool & Equipment Showcase, which starts today, focuses on the needs and interests of the miners.

“It’s for the miners,” said Debra McCauley, marketing and public relations for Minnesota Discovery Center (MDC). “It’s for employees to meet with distributors, mining companies and representatives. And it’s on the Iron Range — it’s where they live, work and play.”

The expo is free, and will be held at MDC from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. A community reception sponsored by Aqua Power will be held from 4 to 9:30 p.m. today and feature exhibitors, networking and a happy hour.

The Importance of Minerals and Mining

September 6, 2013

Hometown Focus
Dr. Kenneth Reid

Let’s start on a Monday morning. It’s 6:00 a.m. Time to get up!

Electricity to run your alarm clock comes through copper wires.

Copper comes from a copper mine. Copper sulfide minerals have to be concentrated to separate them from worthless minerals.

So, are minerals and mining important?

You betcha. Absolutely everything we depend on is either made from minerals or relies on minerals for its production and distribution.

Local Exporters

September 6, 2013

Hometown Focus
Terry Jackson

Expansion of mining-related business outside the Range area provides stability within the Iron Range economy. As mining on the Iron Range developed, many spin-off businesses began to provide services and products to support the mining industry. Mining industry fluctuations resulted in many of these businesses expanding into other states and countries.

Congressman Rick Nolan recognizes the impact this has on jobs, growth and prosperity in Minnesota and across the nation. “The national and international growth of so many businesses originally born to serve the mining industry demonstrates once again how central and critical mining is to jobs and the quality of life they bring all across the Range,” said Nolan in an email exchange on the topic. “Quite frankly, it’s impossible to over-estimate the importance of a healthy mining industry as an economic driver for future generations of entrepreneurs who will create good paying middle class jobs and fuel the demand for goods and services throughout northern Minnesota.”

The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) plays an instrumental role in sustaining this growth. The Board works in conjunction with other state and federal agencies to connect local businesses with outside resources that can help identify what markets or other potential business opportunities could be available. Loans or loan guarantees for companies attempting to expand their business outside our region are also available.

Hal Quinn Discusses Twin Metals With WELY Radio in Minnesota

September 5, 2013

Minerals Make Life

Minnesota is home to one of the largest undeveloped mineral deposits in the world, including copper, nickel, palladium, gold and more, which are vital to the production of hand-held electronics, advanced energy technology and hybrid vehicles – just to name a few.

These resources also offer Minnesota a unique economic opportunity. The Twin Metals Minnesota Duluth Complex could create jobs for generations: more than 5,000 construction jobs in addition to 1,300 full-time positions. And the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average annual wage for a Minnesota mining job is roughly $72,000, more than $25,000 higher than the all-industries average. Plus, the project will also generate tax and royalty revenue for state and local governments.

Recently, Hal Quinn, National Mining Association’s president and CEO, and Bob McFarlin, vice president of public and government affairs at Twin Metals Minnesota, took some time to discuss the project with the End of Road morning show on WELY 94.5 FM.

Readers Write: Mining, Pipeline Project, End-of-Life Planning, City Fines, Inequality

September 2, 2013

Star Tribune
Opinion: W.W. Bednarczyk

You want the jobs? The tax revenue? Or what?

It gets tiring to hear discussion of only the same old partisan arguments (“DFL leaders lay out agenda for session,” Aug. 30). May I submit that both parties get creative and think about an agenda item that supports new tax revenues and job creators instead of tax increases on existing revenue generators.

We as Minnesotans have a rare opportunity to unite and rally our representatives (state and federal) to give their political weight to PolyMet Mining in northeastern Minnesota. This should be nonpartisan and a no-brainer! No tax money, taxpayer financial risk or partner vetting, as with the Vikings stadium. All private investment and investor risk.