Gov. Mark Dayton, U.S. Congressman Rick Nolan and state representatives Carly Melin and Jason Metsa listened to concerned steelworkers today at United Steelworkers Local 6860 in Eveleth.

Officials of Cliffs Natural Resources announced Wednesday that its United Taconite iron ore pellet production facilities in Eveleth and Forbes will be idled. United Taconite, wholly-owned owned and operated by Cliffs Natural Resources, employs more than 500 workers.

Dayton, Nolan, Melin and Metsa addressed workers’ questions about unemployment assistance, health care options and unfairly traded steel imports during the hour-long session.

Dayton assured steelworkers that state agencies are already at work in responding with assistance to laid-off workers. He also told Cliffs Natural Resources officials that the state will work closely with the iron ore producer to advance a project at United Taconite’s processing facility in Forbes to produce a super flux pellet.