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Senator Grant Hauschild issued the following statement regarding the announcement that Cleveland- Cliffs will temporarily idle Hibbing Taconite (Hibtac) and Mincorca Mine and in turn lay off approximately 600 Steelworkers.
“This is difficult news for our Steelworkers, their families, and our entire Iron Range community. Mining isn’t just an industry here— it’s our way of life, said Hauschild. “The men and women who work in our mines are the backbone of the Range, and their hard work has built and sustained communities across Minnesota for generations. When our Steelworkers hurt, we all hurt.”
“But in Minnesota, we have each other’s backs. We go out of our way to help one another—not because it makes us feel good, but because we know that life is easier when we stand together. And right now, we need to stand with these Steelworkers and their families as they navigate this uncertain and difficult time.”
“I will do everything in my power to support these workers and will work with Cleveland-Cliffs during these tough economic times to find a path forward for restarting these mines when conditions allow. Our Steelworkers have always been there for us, and now it’s our turn to be there for them.”
Hauschild was informed that approximately 340 Steelworkers at Minorca and 250 Steelworkers at Hibtac will be impacted.
In addition, he was told that temporary idles, and layoffs are necessary to re-balance working capital needs and consume excess pellet inventory produced in 2024. The automobile industry is facing one of the most challenging economic conditions in recent history and the Iron Range supplies much of the pellets necessary for that industry.
