Skillings Mining Review April 2019: April 2019 underscored the mounting legal, environmental, and economic pressures facing the global mining industry. The cover story focused on PolyMet and Twin Metals remaining in continuous fight mode, with lawsuits, permitting battles, and community opposition dominating headlines across Minnesota’s Iron Range. These disputes highlighted how regulatory uncertainty and local resistance can weigh on long-term project development.
Safety and technology featured strongly this month. The edition spotlighted the Mace testing laboratory for underground mine safety, a critical step in reducing risk for miners working in increasingly complex environments. In parallel, features on mining professionals at all levels and skills emphasized the need for workforce development as automation and digitalization reshape labor markets.
Market volatility remained a core theme. China’s role in global iron ore supply and its ability to stabilize prices were examined amid shifting trade flows. On the corporate front, Nippon Steel announced plans to lift output past 11 million tonnes, while Essar fought to save its Minnesota operations from bankruptcy. At the same time, U.S. Steel pushed to expand under tariffs, navigating Washington’s protectionist environment.
The Iron Range region faced additional strain. Mining Corp. reported a decrease in short interest, Minnesota mines were planning to return idled black hills capacity, and stakeholders debated the costs of keeping legacy operations alive. Meanwhile, Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves called for stronger leadership, signaling frustration with delays and opposition.
Internationally, risks and opportunities competed for attention. Analysts asked if a Brazilian tailings dam disaster could happen again, while commentary questioned whether long-term growth in metals demand could be secured in such a volatile climate.
Finance and equity markets also remained in focus. Coverage of PolyMet’s stock performance and analysis revealed investor skepticism, even as mining companies sought to present renewed growth strategies.
The April 2019 issue captured a sector wrestling with safety imperatives, market uncertainty, and regulatory battles—while still seeking ways to innovate, expand, and stabilize for the future.
