Share Holman, GM of mining for Mesabi Metallics tells that first blast is going to be the first step of production as they are now moving from preparation to production step. From this blast, this plant was able to fracture about 211,000 metric tons of ore that can provide first ramp of 400-metric-ton. This will be the first ew iron ore mine and pellet plant built in Minnesota in 50 years & according to GM, the ore blasted will be processed into highest-quality DR-grade pellets.

The Mesabi Metallics taconite iron ore facility in Nashwauk, Minnesota — described as the first new mine in the state in roughly half a century — is reported to be weeks away from opening, with engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) work 95.5% complete as of early July. The $2.5 billion project, one of the largest economic investments in Minnesota's history, has approximately 1,500 contractors passing through site security daily to meet the schedule. A related SEC filing from The Metals Royalty Company dated June 30, 2026, indicates that commissioning of the facility's Line 1 is targeted to begin in July or August 2026, a shift from the project's original Q1 2026 target. All major permits and financial backing are reported to be secured. Once operational, the mine is expected to add new domestic taconite pellet supply to the US Great Lakes iron ore market.

Mesabi Metallics Company, backed by the Essar Group, announced on March 31, 2026, that it has secured a $520 million senior secured credit facility to complete its iron ore mine and pellet plant in Nashwauk, Minnesota. The project, which is in an advanced stage of development, is now on track to commence commercial operations in the third quarter of 2026. This facility is designed to produce 7 million tonnes of high-grade iron ore pellets annually, providing a critical domestic supply of feedstock for North American blast furnaces and future direct reduction plants.