Two major iron ore mines in the US will be idled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to local news reports.
ArcelorMittal USA will idle operations at its Hibbing Taconite mine in Minnesota as of May 3, with plans to reopen in July. About 650 workers will be laid off as a result. The mine produces around 7.8 million tons of iron ore pellets per year.
US Steel will idle its Keetac mine in Minnesota “indefinitely,” according to a company statement, resulting in approximately 375 worker layoffs. The mine typically produces about 6 million tons of iron ore pellets per year.