Work is ramping up in Nashwauk at the former Butler mine site. The goal is to have Mesabi Metallics ready for mining by summer of 2025.

They plan to be the first new mine on the Range in nearly 50 years.

Right now, there are about 300 contractors clocking in to build it. That number will grow into the winter, when more of the inside work will get underway. “There’s a lot of excitement on site,” shared Joe Broking, CEO.

We got a tour on Monday, before the weather changed. The concentrator building is by far the most complex at this point.

It’s a $2.2 billion dollar investment, with all the needed money in the bank, according to Broking. “The capital is fully committed,” Broking shared.

The company is working with regulatory agencies to amend permits.

The plan is to have the capacity to hit 7 million tons of DR grade pellets, which are used in the greener style of steelmaking.

“There’s only a few customers today within North America that can take DR grade pellets, we all know who they are. We are focused on serving those customers, and focused on the decarbonization of the steel market globally. We are confident we will be able to sell into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa,” Broking told us.

It’s been 16 years since Essar broke ground here. There’s been starts and stops, delays and disappointments.

But now, Mesabi insists more people are focusing on moving forward.

“Of course there are those who are still skeptical about the project. We understand that. But at the end of the day, we invite stakeholders to come out and take a look. You can feel the excitement and see the construction activity. This project is absolutely happening,” Broking added.

Ravi Ruia visits about once a month. The Ruia family and Mesabi have contributed $400,000 in the last year to community causes.