Bob Bratulich honored for contributions to MN’s iron mining industry
The Iron Ore Alliance today announced that Bob Bratulich is the recipient of its second annual “Hard Rock Miners” award in recognition of his outstanding commitment and contributions to Minnesota’s taconite industry. Members of the Iron Ore Alliance presented the award to Bratulich at the organization’s annual dinner on Monday evening. Bratulich is a retired director of the United Steelworkers District 11 and former USW Local Union President at U. S. Steel’s Minntac plant – the nation’s largest iron ore mining operation – who co-founded the Iron Ore Alliance in 2013. Bratulich spent 43 years working at U. S. Steel and as a leader with the United Steelworkers.
“Bob is a collaborator and a proud champion of iron mining in Minnesota,” said Chris Masciantonio, director of government affairs at U. S. Steel and current co-chair of the Iron Ore Alliance. “Without him, this unique partnership (Iron Ore Alliance) between the company and the union would not exist. We are grateful to Bob for his many contributions in promoting and protecting one of Minnesota’s critical industries.”
The Iron Ore Alliance, a collaboration between the United Steelworkers and U. S. Steel, makes the annual award out of taconite directly from U. S. Steel’s Minntac facility in Mountain Iron.
“Bob spent four decades of his life advocating for Minnesota’s iron mining industry. He did it with great skill and pride – and had a knack for building relationships,” said John Arbogast, staff representative for United Steelworkers District 11 and co-chair of the Iron Ore Alliance. “While he retired almost a decade ago, his impact and legacy still live on with the Steelworkers. He is incredibly deserving of this award.”
“I retired from iron mining nearly a decade ago, but it will always be in my blood because I live in this community and I stand up for what I believe in,” said Bratulich. “It’s an honor to receive this award from a special organization like the Iron Ore Alliance.”
