
Rep. Jason Metsa (DFL-Virginia)
Top state officials are talking with Cliffs Natural Resources about completing construction of a new taconite plant in Nashwauk that they say Essar has been unable to finish. But Essar says the state canceling its mineral leases is invalid and they’ve secured 250 million dollars to move forward with the project. State Representative Jason Metsa acknowledges the issue could end up in court, but adds “we also knew that our contract language was pretty clear and we’re very comfortable from what I can tell at the state level… that we’re on very solid ground to argue our case.”
Governor Mark Dayton and state and local officials met Tuesday in Nashwauk with the C-E-O of Cliffs Natural Resources. Metsa says, “It’s not a done deal, but I do feel comfortable that they’re very serious. I think they’ve got a great reputation here in Minnesota of doing good business and right by their employees.”