Hibbing, city (1990 pop. 18,046), St. Louis co., NE Minn., on the Mesabi iron range 90 mi (145 km) from the Canadian border; inc. 1893. Iron mining, formerly the major industry, has declined. Paper and metal products, electronic and mining equipment, chemicals, candy, storage tanks, and explosives are manufactured. Agriculture (poultry, alfalfa, oats, dairy cattle), timber, and tourism add to the economic base. In 1917, Hibbing was moved 2 mi (3.2 km) south to make room for one of the world's largest open-pit iron mines. A dense forest region rich with wildlife is nearby, and hunting and camping are popular activities.
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