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Company outlines plan for pig-iron plant near Minot, projects 650 permanent jobs
Summary
North American Iron told the Minot City Council it plans a pig-iron plant on about 2,400 acres northeast of Minot, aiming for permitting in fall 2026, construction over three years, and full production by 2029; the company said the plant would use Minnesota iron ore and local natural gas and would create hundreds of jobs.
Jim Bugalski, president and CEO of North American Iron, told the Minot City Council the company plans to develop a pig-iron manufacturing facility on roughly 2,400 acres northeast of Minot that would use Minnesota iron ore and local natural gas to produce pig iron for the U.S. steel industry.
Bugalski said the company is pursuing permits now and expects permitting to be complete in the fall of 2026, with engineering and construction to follow. “Our project is set to be in full production by 2029,” Bugalski said, adding the plant’s annual capacity would be about 2 million tons of pig iron.
Bugalski characterized the proposal as a domestic supply initiative, saying the plant would reduce reliance on foreign imports. “It is a real true America first project,” he said, and argued the U.S. has ample iron-ore resources in Minnesota. He estimated about 650 permanent jobs and up to 3,000 construction jobs associated with the project’s build-out.
Mayor Mark Jantzer introduced Bugalski’s presentation and council members asked clarifying questions but made no council decisions tied to the presentation that evening.
Why it matters: Bugalski framed the project as supplying domestic pig iron to U.S. steelmakers and as an economic opportunity for Minot, citing job estimates and a multi-year construction schedule. The timeline for permits and construction will be relevant to future council reviews and any land-use or infrastructure decisions tied to the project.
What to watch next: Bugalski said permitting is expected in fall 2026; council staff and the company indicated they will remain in contact as the project advances. If the project proceeds, future council meetings could address infrastructure, zoning, environmental review, and any incentives or agreements with the city.
