Mesabi Metallics is currently constructing a new taconite mine and taconite pellet production facility on the site of the former Butler Taconite Mining Company facility near Nashwauk.
Once the facility completes construction and begins operations, the main sources of emissions at the facility will be dust from mining, material crushing, and handling sources; combustion emissions from the pellet furnace; and dust from the tailings basin.
Our role
The MPCA is responsible for issuing and enforcing permits that limit air emissions and water discharge from the Mesabi Metallics operations to protect the environment and health of Minnesotans. Those permits reflect current state laws and regulations.
The MPCA placed draft permits on public notice from December 2025 to February 2026, and held a public meeting to discuss the draft 401 water quality certification, draft air permit, and draft water permit at the Nashwauk Keewatin school on Jan. 14, 2026.
The MPCA issued the 401 water quality certification on Feb. 17, 2026, the water permit on Mar. 1, 2026, and the operational air permit on Mar. 3, 2026.
