About MCC

The Minerals Coordinating Committee (MCC) serves as a coordinating body for Minnesota's Mineral Diversification Program, facilitating communication and collaboration among state agencies, academic institutions, and public representatives on mineral-related topics.

The Mineral Diversification Program was created by the Minnesota Legislature in 1987 to provide for the diversification of the state's mineral economy through long-term support of mineral exploration, development, production, and commercialization.

MCC is a multi-agency committee composed of representatives from the following agencies and organizations:

State Agencies and Institutions

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Joseph Henderson

Chair

Delegated by Sarah Strommen, Commissioner
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)

Katrina Kessler

Commissioner
Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB)

Ida Rukavina

Commissioner
Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS)

Robert Tipping

Director
University of Minnesota - College of Science and Engineering

Vacant
Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI)

Rolf Weberg

Executive Director

Appointed Committee Members

Iron Ore

Kristen Vake

Executive Director, Iron Mining Association
Nonferrous

Julie Lucas

Executive Director, Minnesota Mining
Industrial Minerals

John Cunningham

Executive Director, Aggregate Ready Mix Association of Minnesota
Labor

Jonn Arbogast

District 11 Staff Representative, United Steelworkers

From its establishment through 2010, the MCC sponsored and coordinated a broad portfolio of Mineral Diversification Program projects that advanced mineral research, innovation, and environmental stewardship across Minnesota. These projects supported statewide benefits, reflecting the diverse role of minerals in Minnesota's economy—from sand and gravel and industrial minerals to precious metals exploration and iron and taconite processing.

In addition to supporting economic diversification, the program also supported environmental research that aimed to control potentially harmful impacts and enhance post-mining restoration.

While the MCC has not received project funding since 2010, the committee continues to meet and serve as a forum for coordination and information-sharing on mineral-related issues. The MCC brings together state agencies, academic partners, and appointed members to discuss geoscience data, mineral resources, environmental considerations, and long-term planning relevant to Minnesota’s mineral economy.