The Dipper headed to the State Fair

CHISHOLM—The Iron Mining Association of Minnesota (IMA) is encouraging the public to follow the journey of a 160,490-pound iron mining scoop—The Dipper—as it travels from the Iron Range to the Minnesota State Fair starting Thursday.

“We cannot think of a better way to celebrate 140 years of iron mining in Minnesota than bringing the industry to the State Fair!” said Kristen Vake, IMA Executive Director. “Our exhibit will be hard to miss, as we’re bringing a massive mining scoop to show the scale and impact of the industry on our state and nation.”

The Dipper, made by Komatsu, is big. It is designed to scoop iron ore and can hold 41 cubic yards of material—that’s the equivalent of two semi-truck trailers full. The massive Dipper weighs in at over 160,000 pounds, and will haul 12-15 million tons of ore before it is relined and rebuilt.

Kivi Bros. Trucking will transport the Dipper on a 120-foot trailer. The Dipper will leave the Iron Range late today and arrive at the MN State Fair by 5 a.m. on Friday. The journey will be slow, steady and safe.

Stop by the IMA’s State Fair exhibit to see the Dipper firsthand, explore Minnesota’s iron mining industry, and meet industry partners from U.S. Steel, Komatsu, and Kivi Bros. Trucking. Vake will be available for interviews at the IMA’s State Fair exhibit, located on Wright Avenue at the corner of Cosgrove Street, on opening day, Thursday, August 22, 2024.

Iron mining has been a critical part of Minnesota’s economy for 140 years. Today, Minnesota has 6 modern, innovative iron mines operating on the Iron Range and employs nearly 4,000 hardworking Minnesotans. The iron mining industry generates an estimated $4 billion in economic impact for Minnesota each year

Additionally, Minnesota’s public schools receive millions every year from the state’s Permanent School Fund, which earns money through School Trust Lands. Rents and royalties from iron ore mining and taconite leases contribute nearly 70% of the Fund’s revenue. The Fund contributed a record-breaking $48.9 million for the 2023-2024 school year, ensuring that Minnesota’s developing minds are supported by Minnesota mines.

“We’d like to share a huge ‘Thank You’ to IMA members Kivi Bros. Trucking, Komatsu, and U.S. Steel, for helping to bring the Dipper to the State Fair,” continued Vake. “The Dipper is so big, we literally couldn’t have done it without them!”