Category Archives: Press Releases

STEAM Education’s Impact on the Iron Mining Industry

Posted July 3, 2024

CHISHOLM, Minn.—Kristen Vake, Executive Director of the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota (IMA) recently appeared on Almanac North to discuss the importance of STEM education on the iron mining industry’s future. As Minnesota’s iron mining industry celebrates 140 years of mining excellence this year, Vake noted the industry’s evolution. With artificial intelligence, advanced environmental monitoring…

Minnesota Celebrates 135 Years of Iron Mining

Posted August 22, 2019

The Iron Mining Association of Minnesota (IMA) is happy to share that iron mining has shaped the state of Minnesota for 135 years. In August of 1884 our state’s first shipment of iron ore began its voyage from Two Harbors through the Great Lakes for processing – marking the beginning of a profoundly important industry for Minnesota. “People…

IMA Hosts 27th Annual Member Golf Outing

Posted August 13, 2019

Yesterday, the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota (IMA) hosted its 27th annual member golf outing at Giant’s Ridge. Professionals from all aspects of Minnesota’s wide-reaching iron mining industry gathered on golf courses to network with other IMA members and hit the links. “It’s really an extraordinary feeling to see key players from so many of Minnesota’s…

IMA Applauds Cleveland Cliffs’ Investment in MN Iron Mining: Northshore Mining Upgrade

Posted August 7, 2019

The Iron Mining Association of Minnesota (IMA) congratulates Cleveland Cliffs on unveiling an innovative new process at Northshore Mining in Silver Bay. Northshore Mining will shift from creating traditional taconite pellets to DR-grade (direct-reduced) pellets that will be used to produce steel in electric arc furnaces, as opposed to traditional blast furnaces. “This transition at…

Minnesota AgriGrowth Council Visits Duluth to Talk Industry

Posted June 22, 2019

The Minnesota AgriGrowth Council visited Duluth on Thursday, July 18 and Friday, July 19 to meet with northeastern Minnesota’s industry leaders during its Summer Board Retreat. Discussion at the meeting surrounded the important relationship between the state’s agricultural and mineral industries. Kelsey Johnson, President of the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota (IMA), presented on the…

Minnesota Minerals Education Workshop Visits the Iron Range

Posted June 21, 2019

This week teachers from across Minnesota descended on Itasca Community College to learn more about mineral resources and potential careers in mining. The Minnesota Center for Mineral Resource Education’s (MCMRE) Minnesota Minerals Education Workshop (MMEW) had a variety of presentations from all facets and types of mining. Kelsey Johnson, President of the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota…

Minnesota Ranked as Top Five Nonfuel Mining State in the U.S.

Posted May 31, 2019

The Iron Mining Association of Minnesota (IMA) is pleased to announce that Minnesota has been named a top five mining state for nonfuel mineral commodities for the year 2018. The U.S. Geological Survey’s National Minerals Information Center ranked states by 2018 value of nonfuel mineral production, including iron ore and other commodities such as sand,…

White House Trade Advisor Dr. Peter Navarro Joins Regional Industry Leaders for Roundtable Discussion

Posted May 13, 2019

Today the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota (IMA) joined mining executives, elected officials, labor and business leaders in welcoming Dr. Peter Navarro, Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy to the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center in Duluth, MN. The roundtable discussion, hosted by U.S. Congressman Pete Stauber, highlighted the importance of the Section 232 trade action which resulted in tariffs on aluminum and steel imports. Section 232…

Women’s Mining Coalition Meets with Congressional Offices and Completes 27th Annual Washington D.C. Fly-In

Posted May 10, 2019

The week of April 29, 2019, Women’s Mining Coalition (WMC) hosted the 27th annual Fly-In to facilitate connections with legislators, agencies and other professionals in Washington D.C., discussing current mining issues and policies. Participating women, including Kelsey Johnson, Iron Mining Association of Minnesota President, work in hardrock, coal and industrial minerals industries and for companies…