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Virginia, Minn. (AP)

Taconite demand up; more production on Range

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A Cleveland-based natural resources company based is ramping up its sales goals this year after previously announcing it was boosting production at its United Taconite plant in Minnesota.

Cliffs Natural Resources says it expects 17 million tons this year, up from 15 million tons. Cliffs operates three iron ore mines in Minnesota, including United Taconite, Hibbing Taconite and Northshore Mining.

Company officials say customers are increasing steel production and restarting blast furnaces.

Cliffs shut down one of its Minnesota plants last fall when the economic downturn started and all three shut down due to maintenance or lack of demand earlier this year.

Taconite is lower-grade iron ore that is turned into iron pellets for steelmaking.

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Information from: Mesabi Daily News, http://www.virginiamn.com

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)