Serving the Iron Range and northeastern Minnesota

Mineland Reclamation

Northeastern Minnesota's land is one of its most valuable resources - today and tomorrow.

The agency's Mineland Reclamation program helps make today's iron ore mining lands usable for future generations, both for recreation and economic development.

The program was established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1977 to "provide for the reclamation, restoration or reforestation of minelands not otherwise provided for by the state law for the purpose of reclaiming and enhancing those areas of northeastern Minnesota adversely affected by (the) mining (of) taconite and iron ore" (Minnesota Statutes 298.223 1977).

How mine lands change their look
Each year, regional Mineland Reclamation committees, local units of government and the Inspector of Mines submit applications for reclamation projects. The division reviews and prioritizes the projects, then submits this list to the Commissioner for final budget approval. Many times, Mineland Reclamation forms new partnerships between units of government and private industry to complete a project. These partnerships stretch dollars farther and combine the skills and knowledge of staff.

The first step in a mineland reclamation project is to change mining landscapes in ways that make them better suited to other uses. The goal is to eliminate dangerous areas, establish vegetation and reforestation, repair and prevent erosion and dust problems, create recreational areas and restore wildlife habitats.

Mineland reclamation activities include:

• reshaping and revegetating mine pit walls and stockpiles
• eliminating safety issues around abandoned mine areas
• capping old underground mine openings
• establishing wildlife habitat
• building public boat accesses at mine pit lakes
• stocking fish in mine pit lakes
• constructing campgrounds, hiking trails and other recreation areas
• environmental education of local residents
• converting minelands into commercial and residential sites
• promoting tourism

Did you know?
Mineland Reclamation grows up to 83,000 tree seedlings each year in environmentally controlled "growth chambers." These seedlings are planted on public lands in the Taconite Assistance Area.