By the end of 2016 six Iron Range taconite plants had reopened or announced plans to do so. Today only five are open, with no word on KeeTac. 1/

Nothing on the Range has changed. No meaningful economic diversification. Minimal private investment. Steel companies raised prices & paid off debt. Dividends boosted stock outlooks. 2/

New mine projects might appear hung up on environmental regulations (and they are in part) but are far more hung up by cost in the marketplace. Range mines are getting more expensive. Environmental costs yes, but also lower grade ores. 3/

That’s why local power structure is so wedded to little more than a propagandist view of the Iron Range mining industry. They need people and their local governments to do what they’re told, without question, so that costs can be lowered (see dividends, above). 4/

These local leaders are sucking on the tailpipe of a promise factory. It will disappoint. Vote how you want, but every year we don’t get real about the problems will cause more economic suffering. 5/

U.P., Appalachia have been here before. It’s happening to us like it happened to them. Automation, lower grade ores make mines a less impactful part of economy. Addiction, shuttered towns, etc. come anyway. Diversify now. Welcome people. Use our assets to win a new future. 6/6