# Mesabi Metallics steel plant project in Iowa

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mesabi-metallics-steel-plant-project-in-iowa
> Updated: 2026-09-30T07:39:39.000Z. Sources: 140. Developments: 2.

President Donald Trump announced a massive industrial project involving Mesabi Metallics, an entity owned by the India-based Essar Group. The project includes a $15 billion steel mill in Lee County, Iowa, and a $3 billion iron ore mine and pellet plant in Minnesota. The integrated supply chain is expected to begin production around 2030, with an initial capacity of 7.5 million tons of steel per year. The development is projected to create approximately 6,000 construction jobs and up to 2,000 permanent positions paying roughly $49 per hour.

Following the announcement, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds called for a special legislative session on October 2 to amend the state’s Major Economic Growth Attraction (MEGA) program. These legislative changes are intended to facilitate the necessary incentives for the $15 billion investment. While U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick indicated the deal is finalized, the governor’s office noted that a memorandum of understanding has been executed, requiring the program updates.

## Claims

- Mesabi Metallics plans to build a $15 billion steel mill in Lee County, Iowa. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The facility will be the largest steel plant in the United States. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The plant will create 1,750 permanent jobs paying $49 per hour. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The project will support up to 6,000 temporary construction jobs. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The facility is expected to be operational by 2030. (single source)
- The first phase will produce 7.5 million tons of steel per year. (single source)
- Iowa will hold a special legislative session on October 2 to amend the Major Economic Growth Attraction (MEGA) program. (single source)
- The facility will process iron ore from a Minnesota mine owned by Mesabi Metallics. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: Mesabi Metallics to build $15 billion steel mill in Iowa

Mesabi Metallics plans to build a $15 billion steel mill in Lee County, Iowa, creating 1,750 permanent jobs. Iowa lawmakers will hold a special session to amend incentive programs for the project.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iowa-to-hold-special-session-for-15-billion-mesabi-metallics-steel-mill

### 2026-09-28: Mesabi Metallics to build $18bn steel plant in Iowa

President Trump announced a $18 billion Mesabi Metallics steel project in Iowa, expected to create thousands of jobs and reach 10 million tons of annual production by 2030.

135 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mesabi-metallics-to-build-15-billion-steel-plant-in-iowa

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Cite as: Mesabi Metallics steel plant project in Iowa. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mesabi-metallics-steel-plant-project-in-iowa