Mining Features

The Minerals Education Coalition (MEC) of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Inc. (SME) has released the iconic “Mineral Baby” graphic for 2019 that reflects an increase of more than 2,000 pounds annual per capita usage when compared with the previous year’s statistics. MEC annually calculates the amount of minerals and energy fuels that are consumed in the average […]

The Iron Mining Association of Minnesota (IMA) is happy to share that iron mining has shaped the state of Minnesota for 135 years. In August of 1884 our state’s first shipment of iron ore began its voyage from Two Harbors through the Great Lakes for processing—marking the beginning of a profoundly important industry for Minnesota. “People may not realize it, […]

Today’s iron mining relies on specialized knowledge or methods. The technical aspects of the processes by which we pull this necessary resource from the ground are often overlooked and under-appreciated. It takes advanced technology and decades of acquired wisdom to make mining work for our region and across the globe. Gone are the days when prospectors would trudge into a […]

As a historian, I admit that I am not wellversed in the current technology involved with the taconite mining industry, so when tasked with writing a piece for this month’s Mining Edition, I at first hit a roadblock. However, considering how advanced our technology has become in 2019 and the shear amount of rock that gets mined day in and […]

HIBBING — The new Hull Rust Mine View in Hibbing has been open daily since May 25, and to say it has been a success is truly an understatement. In the month of July alone, the site drew well over 8,000 visitors from 45 states and 23 countries. Yes, this Iron Range gem is attracting tourists from Italy, Japan, Scotland, […]

Members of Scouting organizations from all over the world gathered in Glen Jean, West Virginia, USA, for the 24th World Scout Jamboree from July 22 – August 2, 2019. This Jamboree was hosted not by a single country, but as a team effort between the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Scouts Canada and Asociación de Scouts de México. Approximately 45,000 […]

VIRGINIA — Yes, Virginia, there is a museum here! Since 1994, the former park superintendent’s home has been occupied by the Virginia Area Historical Society’s Heritage Museum, which showcases the history of Virginia and the surrounding communities. The museum’s newest exhibit, Railroads of Northern Minnesota, features dozens of artifacts from the various railroads that operated in our region. This exhibit […]

EDITOR’S NOTE: We thought it would be fun to profile Duluth broadcast journalist Kristen Vake, an Iron Range native, for this week’s Mining Edition. Kristen has been reporting for CBS 3 in Duluth since July of 2016. In addition to being a reporter and evening news anchor for CBS 3, she is the host of the Eye On Mining segment. […]