All Things Considered

Federal fight over U.S.-Japan steel merger has consequences for Minnesota’s Iron Range

U.S. Steel's Minntac taconite mine and plant
U.S. Steel's Minntac taconite mine and plant looms over the city of Virginia.
Dan Kraker | MPR News 2015

A broiling conflict between the federal government and two steel companies could have big implications here in Minnesota.

U.S. Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel are suing President Joe Biden — just days after the president blocked a $15 billion merger between the two companies.

Minnesota is wrapped in this conflict — we are the largest producer of U.S. iron ore used in steelmaking, much of it in the aptly named “Iron Range.” The steel industry is responsible for thousands of jobs in northern Minnesota.

Aaron Brown is a contributing columnist for the Minnesota Star Tribune and he’s been following all of it from the western Mesabi range. He spoke with MPR News All Things Considered host Tom Crann about it.

Press play above to hear their conversation.