Iowa could become one of the nation’s largest steel-producing states if a proposed 15-billion-dollar mill is built in Lee County. Mesabi Metallics plans to produce 7.5 million tons of steel annually when the plant opens in 2030, with eventual production expected to reach 10 million tons. The project is expected to create 1,750 permanent jobs and up to 6,000 construction jobs.
Iowa already has steelmaking operations in the state, including SSAB facilities and a Gerdau mill. Based on available industry production figures cited in the report, adding 7.5 million tons of production from the Lee County project would put Iowa among the top steel-producing states, behind Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. At 10 million tons of annual production, Iowa’s projected output would move it ahead of Ohio and behind only Indiana in the figures cited.
The project still faces several hurdles. No final land sale has been announced, and Iowa lawmakers are meeting in special session to consider changes to the state’s economic incentive program. The proposed mill would use iron ore from Mesabi Metallics’ newly opened Minnesota mine and is targeted to begin production in 2030.
