U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber said that “Minnesota’s mighty Iron Range has a strong future ahead, and I’m proud to have delivered this hard-fought victory for our state and nation!”Â
The statement follows federal action removing prior restrictions on mineral leasing in the Superior National Forest, allowing proposed mining projects in northeastern Minnesota to proceed through standard environmental review and permitting processes.
The topic is significant as it affects both the regional economy and national resource security. Mining remains a cornerstone industry for communities in northeastern Minnesota, supporting jobs and generating tax revenue.
Stauber issued his remarks on social media after President Trump signed the Congressional Review Act resolution he sponsored. According to Congress.gov, the resolution H.J. Res. 140 overturned the previous administration’s order that had withdrawn federal mineral leasing in the Superior National Forest for 20 years.
U.S. Steel operates facilities across Minnesota’s Iron Range. The  company employs thousands of workers in the region and pays hundreds of millions in taxes to state and local governments, according to a company press release. Mining remains a cornerstone industry for communities in northeastern Minnesota.
According to a report from the Center of the American Experiment, a conservative think tank, the Duluth Complex in northeastern Minnesota contains deposits of critical minerals essential for national security and advanced technologies. The reports show the complex holds about 95% of U.S. nickel reserves and 88% of U.S. cobalt reserves.
Stauber is a Duluth native who served as a Duluth police officer for more than 20 years. He later served as a city councilor, St. Louis County commissioner and then as a member of Congress representing Minnesota’s 8th District, according to his congressional biography. He was first elected to the House in 2018, replacing Rick Nolan.
