#iron mining

Morris County's abandoned mines have created all manner of chaos for commuters this year when sections of highway above have collapsed into sinkholes.

Most passing through this portion of Interstate 80 don't realize that iron production in the Wharton and Rockaway region began in the early 1700s and produced material vital to the Revolutionary War. Several mines remained active until the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Excerpt from this story from The Guardian:

A group of Inuit hunters have braved nearly a week of freezing temperatures to blockade a remote iron mine in northern Canada, in protest over an expansion plan they say will harm local wildlife.

The blockade, which has prompted solidarity rallies in other Nunavut communities, has also exposed growing tensions between large Inuit organizations with the power to approve development permits – and residents of the small communities where the impact of such projects is felt.

Since 5 February, seven hunters have created a makeshift barrier of snowmobiles and sleds to block the airstrip and service road of the Mary River ore mine, halting operations. Temperatures in recent days have dipped to the low -30sC.

At issue are controversial plans drawn up by the mine’s operator Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation to double output. To bring 12m tonnes of iron ore to market, the mine has said it needs to build a railway to a port near the community of Pond Inlet.

Postcards from Snagglepuss: So what was this Cuyuna Iron Range, anyway?

So ... having decided to return to the road after quite some time at the lakeside retreat in lieu of a cancelled Minnesota State Fair, yours truly finds himself on no less than Minnesota Highway 210 eastwards towards Duluth ... and in the general vicinity of Aitkin, he couldn’t help but notice some rather unusual-looking lakes, to begin with.

Which, I was to find out at a local diner in Aitkin over conversation, were once iron ore mines. Open pit iron mines as had filled in with water, becoming a diver’s paradiso (Peter Potamus, take notice) in the bargain ... remnants, it was explained to be, of the Cuyuna Iron Range, a rather widespread (extending about ten miles) such which saw mining activity from just before World War I until about the late 1960′s/early 1970′s, about the time Scooby-Doo made his debut. The name, should you ask, was an amalagm of an adventurer in the region by name of Cuyler Adams, who also had a dog by the name of “Una”--and who had to rely on dip compasses to locate ore deposits as magnetic compasses act rather weird close to iron ore deposits.

But as it was explained to me, what made the Cuyuna Range particularly fascinating in the iron ore-related history of Minnesota, even if it never had the prestige of the more famous Mesabi or Vermillion ranges further north, was that Cuyuna Range ores had a high manganese content, especially important to steelmakers wanting high-strength steels back in Pittsburgh and Youngstown.

And yet some of you wonder why it is that much of the Cuyuna Range’s former mines are diving holes for the most part: Steelmakers felt it was better sense economically to mine taconite ore on the Mesabi Range and process it into pelletised form for steelmaking use rather than continue mining high-grade raw ore on the Cuyuna Range, manganese or no manganese, for which there was unlikely to be a market. Mind you, taconite is low-grade iron ore, the remnants of such mines on the Mesabi Range especially as supplied the raw material for the nation’s steel mills for at least three generations, and requires further processing to make such suitable for steelmaking.

But--heavens to Cuyler Adams!--back in the salad days of Minnesota’s iron mining glory, the raw ores were of such richness that such would come forth rather damp, and risked being caked up while in transit to the Duluth ore boat docks, requiring the use of “punchers” to get into the ore cars and loosen up the ore ... and in the winter, the raw ore tended to freeze up while in stockpile awaiting shipment in the spring, requiring steam injection from time to time just to keep the ore from freezing over in such legendary Duluth winters....

At any rate, I left word with Peter Potamus noting about some of these onetime iron mines becoming diving spots, which at least one diver mentioned had rather clear waters as were even more diveworthy ... and his response: “Who would have known?! At least such may be worth looking unto.”

Great thinking there, Peter.

Australia's mining sector has long been a cornerstone of the national economy, and Queensland Australia Mining continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the country's most productive resource regions. While the state is globally recognized for its coal and critical minerals, ongoing developments in Iron Mining are creating new opportunities for exploration companies, investors, and infrastructure providers alike.

Industry analysts note that Queensland's geological diversity positions the state to support expanding iron ore operations alongside its established mining sectors. As global demand for steel production and industrial materials remains steady, exploration companies continue identifying promising iron deposits across various parts of the state. These projects are expected to diversify Queensland's mining portfolio while supporting employment and regional economic growth.

Mining professionals often point to Queensland's well-developed transport infrastructure as a significant competitive advantage. Established rail networks, modern ports, and efficient logistics systems allow mining companies to transport raw materials to domestic manufacturers and international export markets with greater efficiency. These existing assets reduce operational costs and make new mining developments more commercially attractive.

The continued growth of Queensland Australia Mining is also supported by technological innovation. Mining companies are increasingly adopting automation, artificial intelligence, remote operations, and advanced geological modeling to improve productivity while enhancing workplace safety. Digital monitoring systems help operators optimize production, reduce equipment downtime, and improve environmental management throughout the mining lifecycle.

Environmental responsibility has become an equally important focus for mining operators. Modern mining projects are increasingly designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating land rehabilitation plans, water management systems, and emissions reduction strategies from the earliest stages of development. These initiatives help mining companies meet regulatory requirements while maintaining positive relationships with local communities and stakeholders.

Another factor contributing to industry confidence is ongoing exploration investment. Junior exploration companies continue conducting geological surveys and drilling programs aimed at identifying commercially viable mineral resources. Positive exploration results can attract additional investment, creating a pipeline of future mining projects that supports long-term industry stability.

The future of Iron Mining in Queensland is closely linked to international demand for high-quality raw materials. Steel manufacturers across Asia and other global markets continue seeking reliable suppliers capable of maintaining consistent production volumes and quality standards. Queensland's mining sector is well positioned to respond to these market requirements through continued exploration and responsible resource development. Investment in workforce development, vocational training, and mining technologies helps ensure the industry remains competitive while creating sustainable career opportunities across regional Queensland.

Tilden Mine

The miners built a mountain,

A monolith of misery.

Their blood, sweat, and tears,

Seeped into the ground,

As toxic as any waste,

Contaminating the soil and water;

Even the eyes of the aspens weep.

Dignity and life lost,

In pursuit of that mighty metal,

Iron;

The catalyst of control and command,

Never meant to be worked,

By human hands.

Only made possible by the theft,

Of the Divine Fire,

And secrets whispered,

By betraying Angels.

Setting us apart from nature,

And placing us at odds with the unseen;

But making us like Gods,

On this Earth,

Without the foresight or understanding.

This power is mighty,

But it is weighty,

And is it worth it?

Gaze upon the miners' mountain,

Their monolith of misery,