Feb. 12, 2026

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Jordan Metsa, Communications Director

218-735-3061, Jordan.Metsa@state.mn.us

More than $8 million invested in mining technology research, education and public works in the Taconite Assistance Area

At today's Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) Board meeting in Eveleth, more than $8 million in projects were reviewed that advance future mining technologies, expand higher education offerings, improve PreK-12 schools and support a housing and commercial development project.

Minnesota Industrial Transformation Initiative (MITI): $2,000,000

• University of Minnesota Duluth’s Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Mine of the Future Proving Ground Initiative - Federal Grant Opportunity - Local Match: $2 million to help leverage up to $40 million in DOE federal funding. NRRI is pursuing a DOE grant to establish regional proving grounds for mining technology. NRRI’s Coleraine facility could be established as one of four national mining-focused proving grounds, potentially doubling employment there for researchers, technicians and support personnel. The new mining research could position Minnesota as a national leader in critical minerals innovation.

Iron Range Higher Education Account: $725,000

• Minnesota North College (MNC): The Forge Technical Training Center, Grand Rapids - Lab and Classroom Space: $725,000 to support a long-term lease agreement with Itasca Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) to establish a technical training center for manufacturing and welding technology training programs located at The Forge.

Iron Range Schools & Community Development Account: $5,000,000

• Aitkin Independent School District No. 001: $5,000,000 for infrastructure and site development related to construction of a new PreK-6 elementary school. (This project was previously reviewed at the May 29, 2025, IRRR Board meeting. The district was approved to receive $5 million in funding, contingent upon meeting specified milestones. Those milestones were not met. The district has revised the project scope and milestones.)

Public Works Grant Increase: $350,000

IRRR previously provided grant funding for this project which entailed infrastructure for six newly constructed sustainable homes. The homes are Phase 1 of a larger development project situated on the East Two River.

• City of Tower: $350,000 to help support unanticipated soil corrections for the larger harbor development which includes the construction of 14 townhomes, 14 condominium-style apartments and 7,500 square feet of commercial space.

The projects reviewed at today’s board meeting support IRRR’s Fiscal Year 2026 spending plan which helps to fund projects in business, community and workforce development in the Taconite Assistance Area.