From Edison to National Steel Industry - A Historical Retrospect

In 1902 the Dunderland Iron Ore Company (DIOC) started with big industry in Rana. DIOC implemented a new technology invented by Thomas Alva Edison. The famed inventor and industrialist got personally involved in mining operations at Rana. However, the technology failed and DIOC halted all operations in 1939 after three short operational periods. Norsk Jernverk took over iron ore production in the 1960s – an operation that continues under the management of mining company Rana Gruber.

AS Norsk Jernverk

On 10 July 1946, the Norwegian parliament resolved unanimously to establish a national iron and steel works. There are several reasons as to why Mo i Rana was chosen as the most suitable site to serve as the nation’s iron works town. The ample ore deposits and power resources in the mountains were among the most important reasons. Of almost equal importance was the desire to develop the northern part of Norway. 

The town’s population increased during the course of a 15-year period from about 3,000 to 20,000. Operations started on 19 April 1955.

The iron works main facility in Rana ultimately comprised Rana Gruber, a Pig Iron plant that included six electric smelting furnaces, a steel works, three rolling mills, a welding facility – and a massive industrial infrastructure. 

The iron works fell victim to the international steel crisis of the 1970s and 1980s with maximum force and consequences. 

 

 

In 1988 the Norwegian parliament decided to close down the steel production based on iron ore and instead concentrate Norway’s scrap-based steel production at one plant - Mo i Rana. In 1989–1990 the main works were transformed into an industrial park and numerous new enterprises were extracted from Norsk Jernverk and established in the park.

The steel works was subsequently sold to Finnish Rautaruukki. Much capital was invested, which resulted in Rana achieving a more varied and robust commerce.