High-Paying Jobs

The on-going manpower requirement for the Birch Lake Project is currently estimated at 550 full-time employees, which includes both staff and hourly workers.  These positions would endure for the life of the mines, estimated to be at least 24 – 26 years.  Additional exploration at Birch Lake’s Bob Bay site could substantially increase the life of the mine.

Anticipated Birch Lake Project Manpower Requirements

The hourly positions would constitute some of highest paying blue-collar jobs available in the U.S. today.  Hourly underground and processing plant labor will consist primarily of skilled and semi-skilled workers such as heavy equipment operators, mechanics, electricians, pipe fitters and so on.  Pay scales will be based on prevailing wages for miners in the area.

Staff positions will largely constitute skilled professionals such as engineers, geologists, administrators and supervisors .  It is anticipated that compensation packages for all positions will include competitive benefits.

To fill these positions with qualified personnel, Franconia plans to provide on-the-job training for the mine and processing plant workers.  The Company is also working with the Mesabi Range Community College (in Virginia and Eveleth) to establish two-year associate programs in mining and processing, which would better qualify employees for leadership positions such as foremen.  Community college level pre-engineering programs will be aimed at preparing people for engineering, metallurgy and geology four-year degrees and eventual jobs in Minnesota’s new non-ferrous mining industry.

In addition, it’s estimated that at least one additional ancillary job will be created in nearby communities for each permanent employee, for a net total of over 1100 permanent positions.  During the estimated two-year mine construction period, up to 1000 construction jobs would be generated.

Currently, Franconia jobs total the equivalent of about 29 full-time positions including staff, consultants and contractors.  Most workers live in the area, with many in Babbitt, making Franconia one of the town’s larger non-government employers.