Iron Range facts for kids

The Iron Range is a special area in Minnesota, near Lake Superior. It's famous for its rich deposits of iron ore, which is a rock that contains iron. For over a hundred years, people have been mining here to get this important metal.

The rocks in this area, especially a type called taconite, are processed to make small, round pieces called pellets. These pellets are then sent to steel mills to be turned into useful iron and steel products.

What is the Iron Range?

The Iron Range is not just one place, but a group of mining districts in northeastern Minnesota. It includes several different ranges, like the Mesabi Range, Vermilion Range, and Cuyuna Range. These areas are all connected by the type of mining that happens there.

The land here is full of iron ore, which is a natural resource. This ore is crucial for making many things we use every day, from cars and bridges to appliances and buildings.

How Iron Ore is Mined and Processed

Mining for iron ore in the Iron Range mostly involves digging huge open pits. Giant machines scoop out the iron-rich rock from the ground.

One important type of rock found here is called taconite. Taconite doesn't have a lot of iron in it at first, so it needs special processing. Here's how it works:

• The taconite rock is crushed into a very fine powder.
• Magnets are used to separate the tiny bits of iron from the rest of the rock.
• The iron powder is then mixed with water and a special clay.
• This mixture is rolled into small, marble-sized balls called pellets.
• These pellets are heated at very high temperatures to make them hard and strong.

These iron ore pellets are much easier to transport and use in steelmaking than raw taconite rock.

The Importance of the Iron Range

The Iron Range has played a huge role in the history and economy of Minnesota and the United States. For many years, it supplied most of the iron ore needed for American industries.

During major wars, like World War II, the iron from this region was essential for building ships, tanks, and weapons. Even today, the Iron Range continues to be a vital source of iron ore for making steel.

The mining industry has created many jobs and helped communities grow in this part of Minnesota. It's a place where nature's resources meet human ingenuity to create something valuable for the world.

Images for kids

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  Lake Superior Iron Ranges

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  Map of Minnesota with the Iron Range counties highlighted.

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  Iron ore

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  Croft Mine Historic Park

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  Soudan Underground Mine State Park