en.Wedoany.com Reported - Mesabi Metallics Company LLC has completed its first production blast in Nashwauk, Minnesota, marking a critical step toward building the state's first new iron ore mine and pellet plant in nearly 50 years, and keeping on schedule for first pellet production in late Q3.

The blast used a 66-hole pattern, breaking approximately 211,000 tons of ore in a single explosion—equivalent to half the rock removed from Mount Rushmore. The blast opened the first ramp to the bottom of the pit, clearing the way for 400-ton haul trucks to transport ore to the surface for the first time.

"This first blast marks the transition of this project from the preparation phase to the production phase," said Shane Holman, Mine General Manager at Mesabi Metallics. "The ore blasted today will be processed into some of the highest quality direct-reduction grade pellets in the world."

"Every ton of ore from this mine represents a return of American jobs, American investment, and American capability," said Joe Broking, CEO of Mesabi Metallics. "We are committed to investing in the Iron Range to continue powering America's steel, shipbuilding, and defense industrial base."

Prior to the blast, Mesabi Metallics announced on July 4 the launch of the "Patriot Pellet" brand, a product line of the highest quality direct-reduction grade iron ore pellets produced in the Iron Range. The company stated that every ton of Patriot Pellets produced replaces a ton of imports, aiming to reduce U.S. supply chain dependence on foreign resources.

Mesabi Metallics expects weekly blasting to continue as the mine progresses toward full production, supplying high-quality direct-reduction grade iron ore pellets from Minnesota's Iron Range to the steel industry.

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC, a subsidiary of Essar Group, is developing a direct-reduction grade iron ore mine and pellet plant in Nashwauk, Minnesota. Upon completion, the project is expected to represent an investment of approximately $2.5 billion and will be the first new iron ore mine and pellet plant developed in Minnesota in nearly 50 years. The company plans to produce the world's highest-grade direct-reduction pellets, providing a domestic supply of critical raw materials for the U.S. steel industry, infrastructure construction, shipbuilding, defense industrial base, and manufacturing revival.