Sarah’s Story
For Sarah Sahr, working at NewRange Copper Nickel isn’t just about crunching numbers, it’s about being part of something bigger in the community she’s called home her entire life.
A native of the Iron Range, Sarah joined NewRange in 2020 after building a career that started in the office of a car dealership and eventually led to her managing accounting operations at a local startup mining company. With a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Minnesota Duluth, Sarah brought years of hands-on experience and resilience with her when she joined NewRange as an accounting clerk. Today, she serves as the site’s accountant, working behind the scenes to support the team and help things run smoothly.
Sarah’s first role at NewRange came with a more junior title than her former position. “I actually took a step backward to come here,” she says. “But I saw more opportunity for growth. And that’s exactly what I’ve found.”
Sarah’s daily responsibilities are as diverse as they are essential: monitoring banking activity, preparing reports, handling payroll and even revising internal systems to make them run more smoothly. She takes pride in her work, especially when she can improve processes, like revamping the company’s monthly cost report to make it more user-friendly and accurate.
What she enjoys most, though, is the atmosphere. “It’s a fun place to work,” Sarah explains. “Everyone is willing to help, but no one is looking over your shoulder. That kind of trust and support makes a big difference in how it feels to come to work every day.”
Sarah has a longstanding connection to the mining industry. Her dad, uncles and many other relatives have worked (or currently work) in the mines, and she spent a summer working at a mine during college. She also worked at a company that produced iron nuggets from concentrate – a process closely tied to mining. “Growing up here, everyone knows someone who’s worked in the mines. These jobs are essential to our community,” she says. And while mining can often come with misconceptions, she’s proud to be part of a company that prioritizes doing things the right way. “NewRange isn’t just about making money. They genuinely care about the environment and about doing things safely and responsibly.”
Outside of work, Sarah embraces the best of northern Minnesota life. In the summer, you’ll find her at the lake – soaking up the sun and enjoying the outdoors. Winters? Those are best spent indoors, cooking something warm and comforting. “I could do without the winters,” she laughs. “But I love spring, fall and summer here.”
From a car dealership and startup to a promising new chapter at NewRange, Sarah’s journey is proof that taking a chance can lead to the right kind of growth – personally and professionally.
Quick Questions
What do you wish more people knew about mining?
I wish more people understood how essential mining is to our everyday lives – from the cars we drive, to our phones, and the clean energy technology we depend on. What people often don’t see is that mining can be done responsibly, especially here in Minnesota, where we have some of the toughest environmental and safety standards in the world.
What drew you to work for NewRange specifically?
What drew me to work for NewRange was the opportunity to be a part of something meaningful close to home. It’s exciting to be a part of a team that’s working toward building something with a positive long-term impact for the region in which I grew up.
Why are you proud to work for NewRange?
I am proud to be a part of a company that is strongly focused on responsibility and care for our people and the environment. Safety is a top priority here; from the office to the field, everyone is committed to looking out for each other – it’s not just a box to check. When it comes to environmental stewardship, we are focused on doing things the right way. Most of the team lives in the area and are raising their families here so we understand how important clean water, healthy forests, and sustainable practices are – not just for today but for the future generations. We’re not just building a mine; we’re building a future for our region and I’m excited to be a part of it.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job as an accountant is the organization and structure it brings. While my day-to-day tasks can vary, the overall structure of my work tends to follow a consistent monthly cycle. I prefer working behind the scenes to help things run smoothly, making sure everything adds up and supporting the bigger picture.
What can you say about the work atmosphere at NewRange?
Newrange is a great place to work; the atmosphere is supportive and collaborative. Everyone is willing to help but at the same time, you have the freedom to do your job without being micromanaged. It’s a positive environment where people work hard but also enjoy what they do.
What are your favorite parts about living on the Iron Range?
I love living in a small community where you almost always run into someone you know – unlike a big city where you can feel like just another face in the crowd. I also really appreciate the seasons we have in northern Minnesota. Spring, summer, and fall are beautiful, and while winter can be long, the other seasons more than make up for it.