Nugget plant gets permits to move forward
Despite contentious protests from environmental groups, air and water permits have been granted to Minnesota-based Mesabi Nugget to build an iron processing plant in Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota. The company gained unanimous approval from the Minnesota Pollution Control Board to move forward on the hotly debated project. While the plant has found favor with state and local officials, a stalwart group has banded together to oppose it. Many feel the project has been given fast track approval at the expense of a more thorough environmental review process. Regardless, unless appealed or legally challenged, the company can begin construction once it secures funding for the $150 million plant. It is expected to generate up to 400 jobs during construction and ultimately employ 150 once it begins production.