Growing pains on the Iron Range

May 19, 2006

The Iron Range in northern Minnesota is undergoing an economic transformation. How that will affect the long-standing communities there is open to question.

Boomtime coming on the Iron Range
It looks as though Minnesota's Iron Range could be in for a business boom. Five years ago, many Minnesotans might have been ready to write off the Iron Range, as LTV Steel Mining Co. closed its sprawling taconite mine in Hoyt Lakes. But now, half a dozen new industries may be coming to the Range.May 22, 2006
Projects in the pipeline for the Iron Range
Here's a list of new industries targeted for the Iron Range, along with their potential employment impact.May 19, 2006
Looking for workers on the Range
The people behind proposed new industries for the Iron Range have a big worry. Who will work in the plants? The area's iron mines are already facing a worker shortage. A wave of retirements, and few young replacements living in the area, could make the problem even worse.May 23, 2006
Range development and the parks
If all goes to plan, half a dozen new industries could be up and running on Minnesota's Iron Range in the next five years. Some people are excited about the jobs that they'll bring, but some people are concerned about the consequences for nearby wilderness areas.May 23, 2006
Mercury concerns on the Range
New industries proposed for the Iron Range are stirring an old concern. Mercury pollution has already forced fish consumption advisories in area lakes including Lake Superior. Now, stringent mercury emission laws are making it tough for new industries to meet the standards.May 26, 2006
The debate over sulfide mining
A new copper/nickel mine could bring 400 direct jobs to the Iron Range. But some people worry that copper/nickel mining will poison the environment.May 25, 2006
A timeline of the Iron Range
Minnesota's Iron Range was formed some two billion years ago, and its rich iron ore deposits have been mined since the mid-1800s. Here are some notable events in the history of the area.May 22, 2006
Recipes from the Iron Range
Here are recipes for some of the most popular ethnic dishes served on the Iron Range.May 21, 2006