Taconite (/ ˈ t æ k ən aɪ t /) is a variety of banded iron formation, an iron-bearing (over 15% iron) sedimentary rock, in which the iron minerals are interlayered with quartz, chert, or carbonate.

taconite, a low-grade siliceous iron ore composed of 20–30 percent magnetite that occurs in fine-grained banded iron formations. Taconite is mined primarily in the U.S., in the Mesabi Iron Range in Minnesota and the Marquette Iron Range in Michigan.

Information on mining taconite, a low grade iron ore, in Minnesota from the publication, Digging Into Minnesota's Minerals by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Lands and Minerals.

Sep 18, 2011 · Taconite is a low-grade iron ore. Originally thought to be of little value, taconite was considered overburden (waste) in the days when high grade iron ore was mined. The iron content, magnetite, is only 20- 30% compared to 50 – 60 % iron content in red ore.

Mar 24, 2025 · A taconite iron ore processing facility separates and concentrates iron ore from taconite, a low-grade iron ore, and produces taconite pellets, which are approximately 60 percent iron and about ½ inch in diameter.

From blasting to crushing to separation – more than 85% of the iron mined in the United States is mined in northeastern Minnesota to make our nation’s steel. Taconite is a very hard rock. Using explosives, the taconite is blasted into small pieces. The taconite pieces are scooped up by electric shovels. Each shovel can hold up to 85 tons of rock.

Dec 8, 2023 · From the cars we drive and the bridges we drive on, to the skyscrapers that line our country’s skylines to the wind turbines generating power throughout the nation, iron mining has built America. If you care about Minnesota’s Iron Mining industry, you should become a member.

From blasting to crushing to separation – more than 85% of the iron mined in the United States is mined in northeastern Minnesota to make our nation’s steel. Taconite is a very hard rock. Using explosives, the taconite is blasted into small pieces. The taconite pieces are scooped up by electric shovels. Each shovel can hold up to 85 tons of rock.

Nov 4, 2019 · As natural ore reserves were diminished, taconite became an alternative source of iron that allowed the Iron Range to continue mining operations in a changing global economy.

Taconite (also spelled taconyte) The cherty or jaspery rock that enclosed the Mesabi iron ores in Minnesota. In a somewhat more general sense, it designates any bedded ferruginous chert of the Lake Superior district.