MOUNTAIN IRON — Sit in the cab of United States Steel Corporation’s brand new electric shovel at Minntac Mine and you’ll know why it’s such a big deal.
A refrigerator. Microwave. A Pioneer sound system that will rattle the windows. Full climate control. USB ports. LED lighting. Panoramic glass in front of you and at your feet. And an operator’s chair with comfort settings that make it feel like a king’s throne. But it’s more than creature comforts that make the $20 million-plus shovel the real deal.
The 2,390,000 pound custom-painted AC-Drive P&H 2800XPC shovel is a sign of U.S. Steel’s confidence in the future of iron ore pellet production at Minntac Mine. It’s also a long-term commitment by U.S. Steel to its Minntac employees and to Iron Range communities founded on mining.
“At U.S. Steel, we are proud of our products that are mined, melted and made here in America,” said Doug Matthews, senior vice president — Industrial, Service Center and Mining Solutions; interim head — Tubular.
“We are investing across the company, including here at Minntac, to ensure that our customers can continue to expect the best in quality, delivery and cost. The new shovel will ensure the facility, the first step of our process, maintains a high level of reliability for the future.”
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