TACONITE HARBOUR
- Latitude: 47.5245 •
- Longitude: -90.918 •
- Great Lakes •
- Port in US
Address: Schroeder MN 55613 US
Taconite Harbor is a notable marine port situated on the north shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota, USA. This harbor primarily serves industrial purposes, particularly in the handling and shipping of taconite, which is a type of iron-bearing rock that is processed into iron ore pellets. Below are the key aspects and specifications of Taconite Harbor:
General Overview:
- Location: North shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota, USA.
- Primary Use: Industrial shipping port for taconite pellets.
- Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 47.5450° N latitude and 91.2900° W longitude.
Infrastructure:
- Berths and Docks: The harbor is equipped with facilities to accommodate large bulk carriers that transport taconite pellets to domestic and international destinations.
- Loading Equipment: High-capacity conveyor systems and loading machinery designed for efficient transfer of taconite.
- Storage Facilities: Large stockpiles of taconite pellets are typically kept near the loading areas for easy access and transport.
Water Depth:
- The depth of the water in the port area is maintained to accommodate large cargo vessels. This generally involves dredging to ensure that the navigational channels are deep enough for deep-draft ships.
Access and Connectivity:
- Road Access: Well-connected by road infrastructure, facilitating the transport of taconite from nearby mining operations.
- Rail Access: Rail lines link the harbor to mining areas and inland processing plants, making it easier to transport large quantities of taconite.
- Maritime Access: The harbor is strategically located for easy access to major shipping routes on Lake Superior, leading to the Great Lakes and beyond.
Environmental and Safety Measures:
- Spill Response: The port has an emergency response plan in place for dealing with spills and other accidents to minimize environmental impact.
- Dust Control: Measures are taken to control dust from taconite during loading and transport to mitigate air pollution.
Historical Context:
- Taconite Harbor was developed in the mid-20th century to support the burgeoning taconite mining industry in Minnesota. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in the economic development of the region by facilitating the export of taconite pellets.
Economic Impact:
- The harbor supports local and regional economies by providing jobs and facilitating trade. The mining and shipping of taconite through Taconite Harbor have implications for both the U.S. steel industry and global iron ore markets.
Taconite Harbor remains an essential component of Minnesota's mining and shipping infrastructure, reflecting the importance of Lake Superior as a transportation route within the Great Lakes system.