Top leader of MSHA tours Keetac and has conversations about safety priorities

Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson visited the Iron Range a couple of weeks ago. It was his first time to see a taconite mine and facility.

“I was able to really get a good sense of that whole process, and it was really helpful to me,” Williamson said. “Getting to witness that part of the steelmaking process, was special.”

He had conversations with United Steelworkers and U.S. Steel leadership before the tour, and shared the priorities MSHA is working on with them. Those include a focus on the silica exposure, and preventing accidents with some of the massive equipment used in mining.

“We also discussed how important good labor and management relations are at the facility,” Williamson added.

MSHA staff brought him to see the Ironman as well.