ST. PAUL – Senator Rob Farnsworth released the following statement after the Minnesota Executive Council unanimously voted to award Nashwauk mineral leases to Cleveland-Cliffs:

“I’m glad the Nashwauk leases have been secured by Cleveland-Cliffs and the jobs at Hibbing Taconite have a bright future. Now it’s time to secure the proper permitting. I encourage the agencies to act swiftly and for all involved to show a good faith effort to keep this project moving forward. Mining has been done safely in Minnesota for generations and we can continue to protect our land and water while mining for the future.”