MiningMinnesota

According to the graph, factors like thrifting, efficiency improvements, and aluminum substitutions are helping reduce copper demand in EV production. Yet, despite these advancements, overall demand for copper is still climbing rapidly. And keep in mind, EVs are just one piece of the broader clean energy puzzle. While material replacements and recycling are essential strategies, mining remains a necessity for meeting everyday mineral needs. It's crucial that we ensure those mines are located here, where we can enforce stronger environmental, social, and labor standards. #wecandothis #responsiblemining #minnesotamining

What is the Circular Economy?   Bloomberg outlines what a circular economy is, and how it can support the energy transition.    A Circular Economy is a sustainable economic model focused on reducing waste by recycling, reusing, and extending the life of products. Unlike the traditional linear economy (take, make, dispose), it aims to keep materials in use, reducing the need for new resources and lowering environmental impact.   In the energy transition, a circular economy helps recycle critical minerals used in batteries, like cobalt and nickel, ensuring sustainable supply chains. Companies like Talon are advancing this by partnering with Circulor to ensure that extracted minerals are recyclable and traceable, supporting cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. https://lnkd.in/gwwSfkjE

“The science of today is the technology of tomorrow.” – Edward Teller   MiningMinnesota Executive Director Julie Lucas recently had the privilege of speaking to the latest 5th grade graduating class from Duluth-based Starbase. This local organization, run by a team of passionate, licensed instructors, is helping to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders by engaging students in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities.   Over 25 hours of immersive, free educational experiences, Starbase equips students with the skills and curiosity to explore how STEM shapes our world—and encourages them to dream big about their futures in STEM careers.   Oh, and as for the photo, Julie swears the students were riveted by the cool rock she brought in. Since rocks are awesome, we totally believe her! 😉   #STEMeducation #FutureLeaders #HandsOnLearning

Seeing news stories about “sulfide mining” and wondering what it’s all about? Learn why sulfur is an essential element for deposits of critical minerals like copper and nickel — and why “sulfide mining” isn’t unusual or unique to Twin Metals Minnesota.

The Iron Range STEM Showcase was an amazing opportunity for local students to see how the science they learn in the classroom works in the real world. The team at NewRange Copper Nickel explained core samples and the mining process through creative hands-on experiments!

MiningMinnesota member Lakehead Constructors, Inc. was founded in 1916 by Roland C. Buck, who believed a company’s success was founded on good work, integrity and a commitment to taking care of your communities and the people who work for you. Those principles still guide them today. From their roots in large-scale construction projects along the Superior and Duluth Harbors, Lakehead has grown to serve clients in a broad range of industries, including mining, oil and gas, rail, power generation, water infrastructure and commercial. They employ over 600 tradespeople, construction professionals and support staff throughout the Upper Midwest and operate offices in Superior, WI, Aurora, MN, and Marquette, MI. Lakehead has a long history of building, maintaining, and modernizing mining facilities on Minnesota’s Iron Range and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. and have been involved in some of the Iron Range’s largest taconite plant construction projects. They are proud to support the mining industry through sponsoring WDIO’s This Week In Mining, honoring the region’s rich mining history by sponsoring a book “Taconite – New Life for Minnesota’s Iron Range – The History of Erie Mining Company, as well as supporting legislation at the local, state and federal level for permitting reform, promoting new non-ferrous mining and fair trade. Over the summer, the Lakehead Constructors crews were busy installing more than 7 miles of new water pipelines, snow guns and sticks along the ski/snowboard runs at Giants Ridge Recreation Area just north of Biwabik. This water infrastructure system will allow Giants Ridge to provide a great skiing experience regardless of snowfall amounts! Why did you become a member of MiningMinnesota? We recognized a need to work collectively as a group of companies and their employees to support our non-ferrous mining client’s develop their projects through advocacy, public education and awareness. We know the economic impact these projects can have on the local communities, employees and their families – good paying jobs, new businesses, thriving school districts. To learn more about Lakehead Constructors, Inc., visit https://lnkd.in/gYPBhTm and to learn more about becoming a member of MiningMinnesota, visit www.miningminnesota.com

The 2025 SME Minnesota Section Conference takes place in April and is looking for abstracts. The deadline is November 22nd! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/grMmimi9

🔊 Rethinking Mining: A Path Toward Sustainable Practices 🌍 I recently had the opportunity to join Jenna Lehti on Latitude Media's Catalyst podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of mining and its pivotal role in supporting a low-carbon future. Growing up in a mining family, I’ve always understood the industry's cyclical nature—what I often refer to as “hot dogs or caviar.” However, my journey into mining took an unexpected turn when I discovered hydrometallurgy, an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional smelting. This innovative approach not only aligns with our commitment to sustainability but also opens doors to new opportunities within the industry. At NewRange Copper Nickel, we are tackling the pressing challenges of energy security and climate change head-on. With reserves that could produce enough nickel for 35 million electric vehicles, we aim to enhance U.S. energy independence and reduce our reliance on foreign sources. But it's not just about resource extraction; it's about how we engage with communities, particularly Tribal nations. Jenna and I emphasized the importance of building genuine partnerships and fostering open dialogue. By truly listening to Tribal concerns and integrating their voices into our decision-making processes, we can create a mining operation that not only meets rigorous environmental standards but also respects the cultural heritage and sovereignty of local Tribes. As we move forward, it’s crucial for the mining industry to embrace innovation and transparency, ensuring we provide long-lasting benefits to our communities while addressing the urgent demand for critical minerals. The future of mining can be a sustainable one, and I am excited to be part of this journey! I encourage everyone in our industry to take part in these critical conversations. Together, we can pave the way for a responsible mining future. Listen to our episode here: https://lnkd.in/dhWf7DHs

Have you heard concerns about acid rock drainage? Read on to discover what it really is — and why it’s not an issue at Twin Metals Minnesota. You can also learn more on our website here: https://lnkd.in/exAH5Fvy

There are only two ways to source new minerals: mining and recycling, and we must do both. Mineral production will need to increase by nearly 500% by 2050 to meet the needs of the clean energy transition and a growing global population (World Bank). Copper is 100% recyclable, and it can be used and over and over again without degrading. However, 70% of the copper produced in the last 100 years is still in use (International Copper Association). We simply don’t have enough to recycle to meet the growing demand. We must procure new raw materials, and we must mine. The vast majority of the US domestic resources of nickel and cobalt and significant portions of the nation's copper supply are located in Minnesota's deposits. We should not export our jobs and environmental conscience to mines in foreign countries with few protections for workers or the environment. In Minnesota, we can do this with the highest environmental, social, and governance standards.