Bulletin No. 30. Mineral Resources of Minnesota

Abstract

This resume of the mineral resources of Minnesota is introduced by a brief discussion of the physiography and general geology of the state to furnish a background for a discussion of its economic geology. Since iron ores are Minnesota's most important mineral resources, they receive the most attention. Other mineral resources are discussed approximately in the order of their commercial importance, and the origin, distribution, and chief commercial uses of each are briefly noted. Four factors determine the economic importance of Minnesota's minerals--quality, quantity, accessibility, and market. Iron ores. for example, are of high quality, they are easily mined and cheaply transported by way of the Great Lakes to the coal regions of the industrial East, and the demand for iron has been and is tremendous -- that of a pioneering, progressive people. It is very likely. however, that the high-grade iron ores will be nearing exhaustion within the next thirty or forty years, and therefore the future of the iron ore industry in Minnesota depends largely upon how well the technical, economical, and political problems connected with the industry are solved. The Mesabi range has probably reached its zenith in less than fifty years since the first discovery of ore at Mountain Iron. Yet there are many billions of tons of low-grade iron-bearing material on that range, and it is not too early to plan for its utilization. This problem, and other problems of mineral resources, are considered and discussed herein. The Minnesota Geological Survey has been studying the mineral resources of the state for many years. The present bulletin makes use of data published in greater detail in earlier reports. brings up to date certain descriptions given in those reports. and adds descriptions of several resources not previously considered.