Fearing a ripple effect from iron ore mine shutdowns and layoffs in Minnesota, Upper Peninsula (U.P.) workers are concerned about their future.
Empire Mine in Palmer is partially owned by LTV Steel Mining Co., which recently closed its operations in Hoyt Lakes, Minn., after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Empire mine manager and part-owner, Cleveland Cliffs Inc., recently announced the elimination of 30 salaried positions in Palmer, as well as temporary shutdowns and production cutbacks at its mines on Minnesota's Iron Range. Cleveland Cliffs also operates the Tilden mine in the U.P., which was shut down for two weeks late last year. The two U.P. mines employ nearly 1,800, and layoffs or closures could devastate the area's economy.
—Rosie Cataldo
