Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Bob Kelleher
Duluth, Minn.

US Steel recalling workers to Keewatin plant

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

U.S. Steel has told union officials it's restarting its KeeTac taconite pellet operation and mine in Keewatin.

Steelworkers local 2660 President Jack Thronson said workers will be recalled beginning next week after being Keetac was idled a year ago, laying off 400 workers.

Thronson said the restart is good news for the small Iron Range community.

"Guys are happy; real happy over this, because a lot of guys would be running out of their health insurance and their unemployment at the end of this month, so it's coming at a good time," he said.

Thronson doesn't know how many workers will be recalled, and how quickly, or when pellet production actually resumes. U.S. Steel would not comment beyond saying they make decisions based on customer demand.

With KeeTac's restart, HibTac in Hibbing is the only Minnesota taconite operation still idled. HibbTac is scheduled to reopen in the spring.