U.S. Unveils First Iron Ore Mine in Half a Century at Mesabi Metallics Project

Mesabi Metallics has completed construction on a $2.5 billion iron ore facility in Minnesota, marking the United States' first new iron mine in five decades and aiming to bolster domestic direct reduced iron supply chains.

On September 24, 2026, Mesabi Metallics finalized construction on its iron ore and processing complex near Nashwauk, Minnesota, with commercial production targeted for this autumn. The development represents a $2.5 billion investment and stands as the first newly built iron ore mine in the United States over the past 50 years. According to Minnesota Public Radio, federal representatives recently attended the site’s inaugural blasting ceremony to formally recognize the completion milestone.

The operation will produce Patriot Pellet, a DR-grade concentrate engineered specifically for direct reduced iron manufacturing. By leveraging locally sourced high-quality ore, the facility aims to enhance domestic steelmaking efficiency and reduce longstanding dependencies on imported iron feedstocks.