Mesabi Metallics has constructed a new taconite mine and taconite pellet production facility on the site of the former Butler Taconite Mining Company facility near Nashwauk.
Mesabi Metallics operates under existing air quality and industrial wastewater permits.
Our role
The MPCA is responsible for issuing and enforcing permits that limit air emissions from the Mesabi Metallics operations to protect the environment and health of Minnesotans. Those permits reflect current state laws and regulations.
The MPCA issued the facility’s 401 water quality certification on Feb. 17, 2026, the water permit on Mar. 1, 2026, and the operational air permit on Mar. 3, 2026.
The MPCA is in the process of issuing an air permit amendment for the facility.
Project information
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.
The draft air permit amendment adds space heating capacity, updates the facility’s continuous compliance monitoring, and adds tanks for vehicle fuel and fluids. The draft air permit amendment also makes administrative updates that correct groupings of ore crushing equipment and add language to allow Mesabi Metallics to use other MPCA-approved methods for mercury content analysis.
Mesabi Metallics’ draft air permit is on public notice and open for public comment from Sept. 9 to Oct. 9, 2026.
Comment period
Mesabi Metallics’ draft air permit is on public notice and open for public comment from Sept. 9 to Oct. 9, 2026.
More information
