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Klobuchar Celebrates "Vote of Confidence'' in Minnesota's Iron Range

Cites Rising Global Demand for Steel and Ore

February 1, 2008

Keewatin, Minnesota – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today lauded U.S. Steel Corp. for its “vote of confidence’’ in the mining industry of northeastern Minnesota and congratulated the Iron Range for a new chapter in the region’s storied mining history.

Klobuchar spoke at a ceremony in Keewatin where U.S. Steel announced that it will invest $300 million in its Keetac mine and processing facility. The investment is expected to create roughly 70 permanent jobs and as many as 500 construction jobs.

“This is an exciting day for the Iron Range,” said Klobuchar.  “This new investment offers the promise of new economic development, new jobs and new opportunities for the people of this region.  It also shows that iron mining continues to be a big part of the economic future of northeastern Minnesota."

Klobuchar, whose grandfather worked in the Zenith Mine in Ely, has met with U.S. Steel executives and worked closely with elected officials and local leaders in Northeastern Minnesota to promote the region’s iron ore industry. She recently opened a regional office in Virginia, Minnesota.

Minnesota produces roughly two-thirds of the nation’s iron ore and has attracted a string of new investments recently because of rising world demand for iron ore and steel.

“Over the decades, this area has seen more than its fair share of ups and downs.  But we’ve always known that we were in it for the distance,’’ Klobuchar said. “It’s important to recognize that this is not just an investment in our state’s mineral resources. It’s also an investment in our people.”