Mined, Melted, and Poured in America: President Trump Reverses Years of Anti-Mining Policy

This White House release announces a $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steel mill project, described as one of the largest steel plants in American history, with the mill itself located in Iowa (using iron ore from Mesabi Metallics' Minnesota mine). Project details: Expected to create 1,750 permanent jobs and support up to 6,000 construction jobs. Projected to add $95 billion to the U.S. economy over the next decade. Will produce 7.5 million tons of steel annually in its first phase, rising to about 10 million tons, sourced from Mesabi Metallics' newly opened Minnesota iron ore mine — described as the first new U.S. iron ore mine in 50 years. Contrast with prior administrations: Cites the Obama administration's 2016 denial of federal lease renewals for a proposed Minnesota copper-nickel mine. Cites the Biden administration's 2022 cancellation of those same leases, a 20-year mining ban across 225,504 acres of Superior National Forest, revocation of a water permit for another copper-nickel mine, blocking of a 211-mile Alaska road that would have opened a copper/cobalt district, and 2024 regulations on taconite iron-ore processing and coke ovens. Cited steel industry gains under the Trump administration: The U.S. reportedly surpassed Japan in crude steel production in 2025 for the first time since 1999, becoming the world's third-largest steel producer, with raw steel output up 9% since Trump's return to office. Nearly 6,000 steelworker jobs added, following a reported loss of almost 10,000 under the prior administration. U.S. mills reportedly supply 84% of the domestic finished steel market, up from 77% in 2024. Steel imports are described as falling due to tariffs, permitting reforms, and energy policy. New mill orders hit a reported record $17.3 billion in July 2026, with domestic shipments reaching a record $16.9 billion that month. Manufacturing described as expanding for eight consecutive months. Note: This is an administration-authored release; the economic statistics and causal claims regarding trade and industrial policy reflect the administration's own characterization rather than independently verified analysis.