Secretary Evans was receptive and understanding of our concerns. He indicated that steel was high on the administration's priority list, and said the administration was seeking a permanent resolution, not a band-aid, for steel's problems. While we are encouraged by what we are hearing, time is of the essence. We know that any kind of government assistance is only a short-term solution. We also realize that our mines must be world class competitive if they are to survive for the long haul.
Cost reduction is absolutely the name of the game.
I recently met with employees at all our mines, and my message was very clear and direct. We must get our costs competitive with foreign producers. That means a cost level that encourages steelmakers to operate their blast furnaces rather than importing foreign steel slabs. Everyone must pull together. Barriers to progress must be removed and no new barriers can be erected.