Natural Resources Research Institute Report of Investigations

Coarse taconite tailings and crushed taconite rock (Mesabi Hard Rock™) have been a staple of the road construction industry on Minnesota’s Mesabi Iron Range for over four decades. Comparable to trap rock in quality, taconite aggregates have proven to be strong and durable when used as subgrade and base material and in bituminous pavements. The superior hardness and durability of these materials make them a viable candidate for exporting to the Twin Cities metro and out-state areas and to surrounding states as stand alone aggregate or for blending with local aggregates to produce more competent pavements. Documenting how and where taconite byproducts have been used in Minnesota, along with related test and longevity data, will provide the potential end user a basis for selecting these materials over another aggregate source.Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota, Duluth, 5013 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, MN 55811-144