why mine in mn?
Minnesota has been a leader in responsible mineral development for more than 130 years. Our state has built a world-class mining workforce, deep technical expertise, strong environmental standards, and communities with generations of experience supporting a modern mining industry.
Today, those strengths position Minnesota to responsibly develop the minerals needed for our economy, our energy future, and secure domestic supply chains.
By the Numbers
Millions in annual boost for St. Louis County economy
Billions investment in
the region
jobs provided
Mining in Minnesota means operating under rigorous environmental standards. Projects undergo extensive environmental review and permitting and must meet requirements for water protection, land management, monitoring, reclamation, and financial assurance. Minnesota has the regulatory framework and technical expertise to develop mineral resources while holding projects accountable for their environmental performance.
Labor: Minnesota has a highly skilled workforce shaped by generations of mining experience. Our state combines deep mining knowledge with strong trades, technical expertise, and a culture of safety, training, and continuous improvement. Mining provides family-sustaining careers while building the skills and opportunities needed to prepare the next generation of Minnesota’s workforce.
Community: Mining has been part of Minnesota communities for generations, supporting families, local businesses, schools, and public services. New mineral development can bring investment, economic opportunity, and long-term benefits to the regions where projects are located. Strong local partnerships and meaningful community engagement can help ensure Minnesota’s mineral future strengthens the communities that help make it possible.
Minnesota is home to many minerals that are essential to modern life, from the technologies we use every day to the infrastructure and energy systems that power our economy. At the same time, the United States relies heavily on other countries for many of the minerals we need. Explore the chart below to see which minerals are found in Minnesota, how much of each the U.S. currently imports, where those imports come from, and how these minerals are used in everyday life.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey, 2025
79% Imported to the U.S.
Top Suppliers: Norway 26%, Finland 16%, Canada 14%, Japan 14%
Mineral Uses
Jet engines, rechargeable batteries, cutting tools
57% Imported to the U.S.
Top Suppliers: Chile 68%, Canada 16%, Peru 7%, Mexico 6%
Mineral Uses
Electrical wiring, power grid, buildings, vehicles, electronics
41% Imported to the U.S.
Top suppliers: Canada 44%, Norway 11%, Australia 8%, Brazil 7%
Mineral Uses
Stainless steel, high-performance alloys, batteries
Net Exporter
Top suppliers: Canada 47%, Qatar 28%, Algeria 10%, China 5%
Noble Gas Uses
MRI machines, semiconductors, scientific research, aerospace
100% Imported to the U.S.
Top suppliers: Gabon 23%, South Africa 21%, Malaysia 11%, Australia 10%
Mineral Uses
Steel, batteries, aluminum alloys
57% Imported to the U.S.
Top suppliers: South Africa 37%, Russia 36%, Belgium 6%, Canada 6%
Mineral Uses
Vehicle catalytic converters, electronics, industrial catalysts
89% Imported to the U.S.
Top suppliers: South Africa 49%, Belgium 10%, Germany 10%, Italy 8%
Mineral Uses
Vehicle catalytic converters, medical devices, electronics, industrial catalysts
88% Imported to the U.S.
Top suppliers: South Africa 26%, Canada 16%, Madagascar 16%, Mozambique 13%
Mineral Uses
Paint, plastics, paper, titanium metal products
Find educational resources, videos, fact sheets, and industry information to better understand Minnesota's mineral resources, the mining process, and the role they play in powering tomorrow.
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