Mesabi Range
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Mesabi Iron Range is a vast deposit of iron ore and the largest of four major iron ranges in the region collectively known as the Iron Range of Minnesota. It is the chief deposit of iron ore in the United States. The deposit is located largely in Itasca and St. Louis counties. It was extensively worked in the earlier part of the 20th century. Extraction operations declined throughout the mid-1970s but rebounded in 2005. China's growing demand for iron made taconite production profitable again and some mines that had closed were reopened.
Most of the world's iron ore, including that which forms the Mesabi Iron Range, was formed during the middle precambrian period about 2 billion years ago. During this period, major erosion occurred which levelled mountains that were formed during the previous 2 billion years. This ersosion released iron and silica which settled into the waters of a new sea. It is theorized marine algae living in this new sea raised the level of atmospheric oxygen, which combined with the iron released during erosion causing the iron to precipitate into the iron formations of the Mesabi range. (adapted from: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snas/naturalhistory.html)
Iron ore is mined from both underground mines and open pits. Much of the softer ore was formed close to the surface, allowing mining operations to be conducted via the open pit mines. The world's biggest open pit iron ore mine is the Hull-Rust-Mahoning Open Pit Iron Mine in Hibbing Minnesota.
Open pit mines that are not worked anymore are a common feature along the iron range and have been the site of further development. The Virginia Pilot for example focuses on grounds adjacent to the mines for redevelopment into low to moderate income residential space. The high water table in this region means that once pumping stops, the abandoned mines themselves are quickly filled in with water. Ore was primarily shipped by railroad to the port cities along Lake Superior, such as Two Harbors and Duluth, Minnesota.
The Hill-Annex Mine is now a state park and offers tours to visitors who wish to learn about mine operations. Tours are guided by former mine workers.
Mesabi Range is most recently known for the landmark class action sexual harassment case that was brought against it by female worker Lois Jensen. Jenson won the case, which outlines the worst in employee sexual harassment ever seen. The historic case forever changed the laws for sexual harassment in the workplace. The events were most recently portrayed in the critically acclaimed film North Country starring Charlize Theron and Woody Harrelson.
[edit] External links
- Hill Annex Mine State Park: Minnesota DNR
- Abandoned Mine Research
- Cleveland Cliffs now owns Mesabi Trust, which is administered by Deutsche Bank Trust Co., 60 Wall Street 27th Floor, New York, NY 10005
