Despite the gloomy weather, Essar Steel Minnesota leaders had smiles on their faces.

Mr Kevin Kangas Health, Safety, and Environmental Director said that "The light of progress is shining down."

He and several dozen others, including many state and local leaders, were on hand to see the first concrete poured at the site of what will be the taconite plant.

Hammerlund Construction is the company that will be laying the concrete, which is coming from Seppi Brothers.

Mr Matt Seppi said that about 105,000 yards of concrete will be poured for this first phase. They hope to work through the winter, weather permitting.

Project director Mr Steve Rutherford said they hope to put up steel for the buildings in the spring. Financing is on going, for the India based project.

Once completed, it holds the promise of around 500 jobs and in the meantime, over 1000 construction ones.

Many public and private partners have been part of the project, since it began in 1996 as Minnesota Iron and Steel. It then changed to Minnesota Steel, and now is Essar Steel.

Before the concrete pour, there was the traditional coconut breaking, which brings good luck in Indian culture, and the ceremonial shovel hoists of concrete.

The plan is to have the taconite facility up and running at the end of 2012.

(Sourced from www.wdio.com)