After the LTV Steel Mining Company ceased ore production in 2001 their mainline to Taconite Harbor was shuttered. However, in November 2002 Minnesota Power tested running coal trains from their power plant along Lake Superior (which receives coal by boat) to their Laskin plant near Hoyt Lakes using the 72-mile former LTV mainline. The power for the tests included leased (from the Lake Superior Railroad Museum) DM&IR 193, Erie Mining 4211, and Soo 700. Unfortunately the coal moves proved cumbersome and Minnesota Power continued to receive coal at Laskin via BNSF and DMIR. The mainline is still intact but there is diminishing hope for rebirth.
