FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
David Anderson
651-297-7202
david.anderson@house.mn.gov
News Release
Range Legislators Introduce “Minnesota Miners Relief Act”
Extends Unemployment Insurance for Minnesota Miners Facing Layoffs
St. Paul, MN – A group of Iron Range legislators introduced the “Minnesota Miners Relief Act” at a news conference today where they were joined by a collection of miners, local officials, union representatives, and more who spoke in support of the bill. The legislation provides immediate and long-term support to miners impacted by layoffs at HibTac and Minorca by investing in families and workers, protecting jobs, and creating stability for the Iron Range.
The legislation is sponsored by Representative Spencer Igo (R-Wabana Township), Representative Cal Warwas (R-Clinton Township), Representative Roger Skraba (R-Ely), Representative Ben Davis (R-Merrifield), and Representative Natalie Zeleznikar (R-Fredenberg Township).
“Miners and their families have always shown strength and resilience in the face of adversity,” said bill sponsors in a joint statement. “As Rangers, we fight for our communities and support one another during times of uncertainty. The Minnesota Miners Relief Act makes sure that miners and their families have the support they need not only to make it through this difficult time, but to thrive for generations to come.”
In March, Cleveland-Cliffs announced that temporary closures at the Minorca Mine in Virginia and Hibbing Taconite in Hibbing would lead to layoffs affecting nearly 600 miners and their families. With unemployment benefits set to expire around Christmas, the Minnesota Miners Relief Act extends crucial support for miners and their families.
Key provisions of the Minnesota Miners Relief Act include:
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Extending unemployment insurance: Provides an additional 26 weeks of unemployment insurance for qualifying workers through June 2026. Estimated to cost $10–12 million, this extension serves as a vital safety net for families facing uncertainty.
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Modernizing the sulfate standard: Updates Minnesota’s 1973 sulfate standard by establishing clear rules and deadlines for site-specific applications. These changes would ensure timely, fair review of permits.
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Clarifying the reactive mine waste rule: Addresses vague language related to the reactive mine waste rule that has led to legal challenges and project delays. Language in the bill clarifies the rule, anchors it in science, and limits opportunities for broad judicial interpretation by basing compliance on water quality standards instead of undefined and subjective terms.
“Mining is fundamental to the economy of the Iron Range, its people, and our communities. It is the cornerstone of our past, it sustains our present, and it is on all of us to make sure that it is a part of our future,” concluded bill sponsors. “Rangers are tough, and we’ve been through difficult times before. We have no doubt that we will get through this and come out the other side stronger than before.”
The bill, House File 3030, received its first hearing Wednesday morning in the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee where it was laid on the table and awaits further action.
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Email me directly at david.anderson@house.mn.gov if you would like to get in touch with bill sponsors.
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