1 July 2010Essar Steel Minnesota site preparation advances
Essar Steel Minnesota this summer is blasting rock formations in preparation for the pouring of concrete for building foundations.
The $1.6 billion taconite, direct-reduced iron and steel slab facility is being built by Essar Steel Minnesota near Nashwauk. The project is permitted to produce 4.1 million tons of iron ore pellets per year. However, Essar Steel Minnesota is seeking permit modifications that would allow iron ore pellet production of 6.5 million tons per year. A production increase would require larger production trucks and additional processing equipment.
Rock formations at the facility’s crusher and pellet plant site are being blasted first. About 30,000 yards of concrete for foundations will be poured beginning in August. Building fabrication will begin this fall. Construction work on a 9-mile long railway leading into the site is nearly complete. Bids for water and sewer connections are being finalized.
The project is expected to employ 2,000 construction workers and 500 permanent employees.