Breaking: Two Iron Range Mines Laying Off Nearly 600 Steelworkers

Minnesota State Senator Grant Hauschild announced on Thursday morning that nearly 600 Iron Range Steelworkers will be temporarily laid off.

Cleveland Cliffs will temporarily idle both Hibbing Taconite and the Minorca Mine. WDIO shared a statement from Hauschild for the reason of the idling.

“He is told that temporary idles, and layoffs are necessary to re-balance working capital needs and consume excess pellet inventory produced in 2024,” a statement from Hauschild’s office read. “The automobile industry is facing one of the most challenging economic conditions in recent history and the Iron Range supplies much of the pellets necessary for that industry.”

Later, Hauschild shared the news on his Facebook page, calling it "devastating for our Steelworkers, families, and our entire Iron Range Community."

Those familiar with mining on the Iron Range are no strangers to mines idling. Most recently, Cleveland Cliffs idled North Shore Mining in 2022 due to the reduced need for pellets.

The temporary layoffs will include 340 employees from Minorca and 250 employees in Hibbing.

Keep checking back for updates on this developing story.