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.

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.

Mar 5, 2025 · Taconite is a flint-like type of rock containing low-grade iron ore. Vast reserves of taconite, with iron concentrations of 30-50%, were discovered in 1870 near present-day Babbitt, on the Mesabi Iron Range.

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.

Jun 6, 2024 · The aggregate is already mined and sitting in waste piles on the Iron Range – taconite tailings. And after three years of testing, the taconite is holding its own as a high friction aggregate, but winning hand-over-fist in cost and energy efficiency.