Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has called a press conference for 2:45 p.m. today in St. Paul to announce developments in India-based Essar's purchase of Minnesota Steel, which is to develop one of the state's largest rural economic development projects.
News reports have indicated Essar planned a joint project with Iran, which Pawlenty said raised questions about whether the state should be involved with the company that he visited during an India trip last week. He sought guidance from the U.S. State Department, saying he expected to hear back this week.
Minnesota Steel would take taconite it mines on the Iron Range and turn it into steel instead of shipping it to steel plants elsewhere.
