Why It Matters

Mesabi Metallics is entering federal lobbying at a pivotal moment for domestic mining policy. The Minnesota iron ore company’s January 2025 hiring of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP marks its first year of federal lobbying, escalating from initial engagement with SHW Partners LLC.

Congress is actively pushing legislation to streamline mining permitting and boost domestic critical mineral production. Bills like H.R.4090 – Critical Mineral Dominance Act and H.R.5929 – Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resiliency Act directly address lengthy approval timelines that have historically hindered domestic mining projects.

By the Numbers

Mesabi Metallics Co. LLC began federal lobbying in 2025, first engaging SHW Partners LLC before expanding its roster.

The lobbying team centers on Ryan Day Thompson, who previously lobbied for Pebble Limited Partnership LLC on hardrock mining permitting. His congressional background includes serving as Chief of Staff for Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK)—critical experience given Inhofe’s former chairmanship of key environmental and defense committees.

Mesabi’s primary lobbying focus encompasses supply chain security, trade policy, manufacturing, and natural resources, specifically targeting "Sections 232 and 301 Trade Actions" related to tariff structures protecting domestic steelmakers.

The Agenda

Mesabi Metallics Co. LLC is lobbying on supply chain security, manufacturing, and trade issues to strengthen domestic critical mineral supplies and reduce foreign reliance.

Congress is advancing multiple bills favorable to Mesabi’s interests:

Committee hearings underscore bipartisan urgency. The House Natural Resources Committee examined China’s dominance over critical mineral supply chains in February, while the Senate Energy Committee reviewed six mining modernization bills in March.

Broader Context

Mesabi’s lobbying push aligns with extraordinary federal momentum around domestic mineral production. The Trump administration has made critical minerals a national security priority, invoking the Defense Production Act to accelerate permitting and signaling willingness to take equity stakes in mineral companies.

On the Iron Range, steel manufacturer Cleveland-Cliffs announced approximately 600 layoffs in March 2025, creating regional economic distress. Mesabi’s project—employing approximately 400 workers—is positioned as an economic lifeline. The company purchased state-of-the-art mining equipment in November 2025 with production targeted for mid-2026.

Between The Lines

Minnesota’s delegation shows mixed signals. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) actively champions the taconite industry, while Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) has expressed concern about mining’s environmental impacts despite backing local employment.

Trade policy remains contentious. Trump’s aggressive steel tariffs under Section 232 create both opportunities and risks for domestic iron ore suppliers competing against foreign imports while serving steelmakers facing higher input costs.

Competitive Landscape

Mesabi enters a crowded but aligned advocacy ecosystem. The National Mining Association serves as the industry’s leading trade association, while the National Association of Manufacturers advocates broadly for critical minerals supply and tariff policy.

Rather than competing directly, Mesabi can coordinate with these associations while ensuring its specific project receives dedicated attention. The bipartisan nature of current mining policy suggests limited direct opposition to domestic iron ore development.

The Bottom Line

Mesabi Metallics is positioning itself to capitalize on a favorable moment for domestic mining. The company’s lobbying priorities directly align with multiple bills in Congress addressing mining workforce development, critical minerals supply, and permitting acceleration. With the Iron Range facing mining layoffs and Mesabi projecting 2026 production, the timing suggests the company aims to secure federal support as it becomes the first new taconite mine in Minnesota in roughly 50 years.

Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article