<P> Iron mining in the United States produced 42.5 million metric tons of iron ore in 2015 , worth US $3.8 billion . Iron ore was the third - highest - value metal mined in the United States , after gold and copper . Iron ore was mined from nine active mines and three reclamation operations in Michigan , Minnesota , and Utah . Most of the iron ore was mined in northern Minnesota 's Mesabi Range . Net exports ( exports minus imports ) were 3.9 million tons . US iron ore made up 2.5 percent of the total mined worldwide in 2015 . Employment as of 2014 was 5,750 in iron mines and iron ore treatment plants . </P>
<P> Iron mining in the United States produced 42.5 million metric tons of iron ore in 2015 , worth US $3.8 billion . Iron ore was the third - highest - value metal mined in the United States , after gold and copper . Iron ore was mined from nine active mines and three reclamation operations in Michigan , Minnesota , and Utah . Most of the iron ore was mined in northern Minnesota 's Mesabi Range . Net exports ( exports minus imports ) were 3.9 million tons . US iron ore made up 2.5 percent of the total mined worldwide in 2015 . Employment as of 2014 was 5,750 in iron mines and iron ore treatment plants . </P>
where does iron come from in the us
where does iron come from in the us
Michigan Minnesota Utah northern Minnesota 's Mesabi Range
Michigan Minnesota Utah northern Minnesota 's Mesabi Range