Mineral Leases – Historic

This data layer indicates the location of historic mineral leases. It was developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The State of Minnesota issues mineral leases both on land it owns and on land that it administers the mineral interests. Historic lease types include iron ore, taconite, non-ferrous, industrial minerals, residue, and miscellaneous. Mining is a major economic activity in Minnesota. These leases generated money for the state and the mining activity generated valuable materials and provided jobs.