Industry projects don’t happen in a vacuum, they have ripple effects across society—especially when it means transforming the large, bedrock industries that underpin the American way of life.
So when NRRI leaders, with national laboratory partners, first started discussing an effort to reimagine the way we produce iron, cement and fuels – the Midwest Industrial Transformation Initiative (MITI) – they knew it would have massive implications for Minnesota communities, politics, jobs and beyond.
“From the start, at the leadership level, we made it a core value that this would not be something done to the region, but something that comes from the region,” said Rolf Weberg, NRRI executive director.
Jamie Alexander was hired in March as director of External Affairs. One of her assignments is to engage community partners in the MITI effort, which will expand to other NRRI engagement initiatives.
“The MITI program is only possible because of the unique natural resources of this place,” said Alexander. “So it must be guided by the stewards, workers and inhabitants of this place.”
A first priority for NRRI leadership was to assemble a group of people from across diverse segments of society—and differing opinions on industry initiatives—to guide MITI and other NRRI strategic initiatives.
The inaugural Advisory Panel will focus on the MITI program, managed by NRRI. It includes representatives from Tribes, labor, mining, environmental interests, communities, workforce development, and state and local government. This unique blend of perspectives was thoughtfully curated to bring a variety of perspectives to the table.
Introducing the Panel
Robert H Aitken III, Attorney, executive director, Leech Lake Financial Services, Inc.
Rachel Johnson, president/CEO, Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX)
Tamara Lowney, president, Itasca Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)
Paul Peltier, executive director, Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS)
Will Steger, polar explorer and founder, Steger Center
Kristen Vake, executive director, Iron Mining Association of Minnesota
Jason Janisch, climate and energy policy advisory, Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (DIRRR).
Robert Blake, Founder & CEO, Solar Bear
An important first project of the MITI effort, starting in 2025 with a feasibility study, is a hydrogen-based iron production plant on Minnesota’s Iron Range.
Kristen Vake, executive director of the Iron Mining Association, is looking forward to helping Minnesota’s important iron ore industry keep pace with the global industry.
“Minnesota provides 80 percent of the iron needed for U.S. steel production, and we need to stay competitive globally while securing domestic supply chains,” said Vake. “Iron mining continues to play an essential role in the clean energy transition, and we look forward to learning more about the future-focused research and work happening on the Iron Range.”
While mining groups and environmental interests don’t typically go hand-in-hand, Will Steger, polar explorer and recognized environmental leader is similarly engaged.
“I’m proud to support the MITI effort because it presents a new clean energy future, the chance to bring good paying jobs to northeastern Minnesota, and ensure our state continues to lead in the industries of the future,” said Steger.
The Advisory Panel will begin convening in May to do a deep dive into the plans for a hydrogen-based iron plant and discuss implications and opportunities. Then bring those conversations back to the communities represented on the Panel to begin two-way communications.
“There’s something in this for all of us – stable jobs, cleaner air, energy sovereignty for Native Nations. The key is making sure all voices are heard, and that these perspectives are integrated into the project,” added Alexander. “We hope to show how we can bridge perspectives that might seem to be at odds, and work together toward a shared goal.”