CHISHOLM, Minn.—Kristen Vake, Executive Director of the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota (IMA) recently appeared on Almanac North to discuss the importance of STEM education on the iron mining industry’s future. As Minnesota’s iron mining industry celebrates 140 years of mining excellence this year, Vake noted the industry’s evolution. With artificial intelligence, advanced environmental monitoring and complex engineering, iron mining is a high-tech industry that operates more efficiently than ever before to support modern steel production and our nation’s clean energy goals.
For over a decade, industry in northeast Minnesota has prepared for an imminent workforce shortage as many career workers would retire. Today, Vake and IMA’s members are working to reach STEAM students, sharing stories of the iron mining industry and the thousands of businesses that support it. Modern mining includes leadership, strategy, engineering, management, technology, data management, human resources, public relations, and so much more.
There’s a vast amount of opportunity for those who want to live and thrive in northern Minnesota. IMA’s new video series, The Mining Story, takes those conversations further with closer looks at Minnesota’s iron mining industry. Check out the recent episodes.