Iron Mining Association of Minnesota

06/17/2026

Mark your calendars! 🗓️ The 34th Annual IMA Member Golf Outing is coming up on August 10, 2026 at the beautiful Giants Ridge.

This is always one of the most anticipated events of the year—it’s a great day on the course with great company. This event is open to IMA members only, and registration closes June 30.

Not a member yet? Contact us to learn more about the IMA and the value of being part of our network! https://taconite.org/membership/join-now/

We can't wait to see you there! ⛳

06/16/2026

There's still time to take advantage of one of the best FREE opportunities available to high schoolers on the Iron Range this summer!

Minnesota North College's Career Exploration Series has several camps still open for registration, covering everything from welding and healthcare to veterinary technology. Lunch is provided, and transportation is available for those who need it.

Learn more about each event and register at minnesotanorth.edu/events/summer-career-experience.

Test drive a career while still in high school this summer at any of these awesome FREE Career Camps with Minnesota North College!

06/15/2026

Today we celebrate the women who show up every day and strengthen the iron mining industry here in northern Minnesota.

From the pit to the boardroom, women are shaping the future of this industry, and we’re proud to recognize their leadership and impact. 👏

We also joined partners today for the International Day of Women in Mining Luncheon, bringing our industry together to honor the contributions and accomplishments of women in mining.

A special shoutout to IMA Board Members Chrissy Bartovich, U.S. Steel; Marci Knight, Park State Bank; and Tracy Muck, NTS for your dedication to the industry, the region, and the IMA. Thank you!

06/09/2026

Mark your calendars! 🗓️ The IMA’s very own Kristen Vake will be joining a workforce panel at the Starbase Minnesota, Inc. - Duluth Workforce Development Breakfast on July 15.

The conversation will focus on something that matters deeply to our industry: building the next generation of skilled workers right here in our region.

Topics will include:

✔️ The growing challenge of filling technical roles
✔️ The importance of investing in local talent pipelines early
✔️ How organizations like STARBASE are helping connect today's students to tomorrow's careers in STEM

Together, we can position our region as a model STEM pipeline community. Join us at the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth on Wednesday, July 15. Breakfast will be served.

Learn more and register for the event here: http://www.starbasemn.org/duluth/about-us/board-events/

06/05/2026

Meet the Panelist: Jessica Johnson leads Talon Metals Corp's external relations at the Tamarack Nickel Project in Minnesota, where she’s been a key member of the team since 2019. On June 15, she’ll take the Women in Mining stage to share valuable insights from her career spanning conservation and resource management.

Jessica’s background in conservation education and stakeholder collaboration has largely focused on advancing responsible approaches to sustainable resource development. Prior to Talon Metals, she led environmental education programs for students as Program Coordinator at Long Lake Conservation Center and worked as a Naturalist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to support interpretation and education across several state parks.

Don’t miss your chance to see Jessica take the Women in Mining stage. Secure your tickets today: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/fwzcm64/lp/124bcfc6-35d1-4d8a-a086-734a2de16461

06/04/2026

Meet the Panelist: Jaime Johnson has spent the past 20 years working in environmental permitting and compliance in the mining industry on Minnesota’s Iron Range—valuable experience that she’s bringing to the stage for our Women in Mining Luncheon on June 15!

Jaime leads environmental projects and permitting for United States Steel Corporation's Minnesota Ore operations, simultaneously navigating air, water, wetland, and land use requirements while coordinating with engineers, planners, regulators, and operations teams. She believes sustainable mining depends not only on strong environmental programs but also on developing people, building inclusive teams, and sharing real-world experience, and is enthusiastic about mentoring and supporting the next generation of women pursuing careers in mining, engineering, and the sciences.

Based in Virginia, MN, Jaime enjoys cheering on her daughter as she begins her engineering career at an Indiana steel mill, and she remains committed to helping shape a mining industry that is resilient, responsible, and welcoming for future generations.

Don’t miss your chance to see Jaime take the Women in Mining stage. Secure your tickets now: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/fwzcm64/lp/124bcfc6-35d1-4d8a-a086-734a2de16461

06/03/2026

Meet the Panelist: Andrea (Andi) Bakk is the Director of Safety – Minnesota Mining at Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., and on June 15, she’ll be taking the stage as a panelist for the International Day of Women in Mining Luncheon!

Andi has spent the past 20 years in health, safety, and loss control at Hibbing Taconite, recently expanding her responsibilities to include United Taconite, Minorca Mine, and Northshore Mining. Over the years, her leadership, guidance, and support for the operations have been driven by a passion to help improve safety by partnering to implement effective programs and sustainable cultural change.

When she’s not working or providing free Uber service for her children, you can find this mom of two sharing her love of soccer on the pitch as a competitive team coach. (She’s looking forward to watching the Men’s World Cup this summer, but is even more excited to watch the Women’s World Cup in 2027!)

Don’t miss your chance to see Andi take the stage. Secure your Women In Mining Luncheon tickets this week: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/fwzcm64/lp/124bcfc6-35d1-4d8a-a086-734a2de16461

06/02/2026

Registration is now open! ⛳️ Mark your calendars for the 34th Annual IMA Golf Outing at Giants Ridge on August 10.

Sign up today to secure your spot and enjoy a full day of golf, networking, and connecting with industry partners from across the Iron Range.

For details and registration, visit taconite.org/events/golf-outing/.

06/01/2026

International Day of Women in Mining is just two weeks away! We can't wait to celebrate with you. If you haven't registered for our event yet, this post will make you want to🙂

Featured below are our three panelists: Andi Bakk, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.; Jessica Johnson, Talon Metals Corp.; and Jaime Johnson, United States Steel Corporation.

Hear their stories and so much more on Monday, June 15th! Registration closes soon: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/fwzcm64/lp/124bcfc6-35d1-4d8a-a086-734a2de16461

05/28/2026

Is your high schooler interested in leveling up their tech skills? Minnesota North College's Future Tech Experience is worth checking out this summer.

This free, one-day event is open to students entering grades 9–12 and gives them a chance to explore careers in Digital Technology and Computer Science through hands-on activities, including coding (you get to build your own game!), cabling, and networking.

The experience is offered at two locations:

📍 Hibbing Campus — June 11, 9 AM-3 PM
📍 Grand Rapids Tech Hub — June 18, 9 AM-3 PM

Lunch is provided and transportation is available. Registration deadline is June 9. Learn more and register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=xscRULQKq0ae9PrnSpIaf5Dp5P4b_JVPuEIk5HMTU5BUN0pGTFozSlBZM0wwNERaUFNZUkQ0VFpZVS4u&route=shorturl