SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Tuesday, the Minnesota Supreme Court denied Mesabi Metallics’ petition for review of its lawsuit against the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regarding mineral leases in Nashwauk. As a result, the Court of Appeals’ previous action to affirm the DNR’s termination of the leases is upheld.
Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL – Aurora) issued the following statement:
“I thank Governor Walz and the DNR for their steadfast pursuit to rightfully take back the state’s mineral leases in Nashwauk from Essar Steel and Mesabi Metallics, and leave all their broken promises behind. Now, residents of the Iron Range expect the DNR to move swiftly to work with Cleveland-Cliffs and utilize these leases to extend the mine life at Hibbing Taconic and ensure a long future for the hundreds of people who work there.”