Hill Annex Mine State Park in Calumet Closes to Make Way for Mining to Resume

(KNSI) — Hill Annex Mine State Park in Calumet has been deauthorized and closed.

Calumet is in Itasca County between Hibbing and Grand Rapids.

The closure aligns with the historical expectation that mining would resume at the site.

After open pit ore mining ended in 1978, Hill Annex Mine became a tourist attraction managed by Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. The park was officially established by legislation in 1988 and transferred to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 1991, acknowledging the potential for future mining on the property. The 625-acre park operated on a surface lease on School Trust Lands. The former park’s surface stockpiles and in-ground minerals are also part of the School Trust.

In December 2023, a developer applied to the DNR for a permit to mine stockpiles and tailing basins. Site preparation could begin this year, with operations starting in 2025 if approved. Resuming mining at the site would still support local communities and K-12 public education statewide through contributions to the Permanent School Trust Fund from mineral lease rentals and royalties.

“Over its 60-year history, Hill Annex Mine produced 63 million tons of iron ore, making it the sixth largest producer in the state. It later served as a state park, educating visitors about our mining history,” said Ann Pierce, director of the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division. “Now we are considering proposals to restart mining, which would boost local economies and benefit Minnesota’s public schools.”

There are some other state parks nearby. See the map here.

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