ST. PAUL — Employment across Minnesota fell by 1,500 jobs in August, but mining/logging stayed steady for the second straight month.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) said the state’s unemployment rose slightly to 4 percent. The nationwide rate was 4.9 percent.

“Job growth over the past year indicates the Minnesota economy is expanding at a healthy pace,” said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. “Seven of the state’s 11 major industrial sectors added jobs in the last 12 months, and other economic measures point to continued growth.”

From an industry standpoint, mining/logging held steady while trade, transportation and utilities led all sectors in growth with 2,300.

Also gaining jobs were education and health services (700), government (600) and information (500).

Losing jobs in August were construction (1,900), other services (1,100), manufacturing (1,000), financial activities (700), leisure and hospitality (700), and professional and business services (200).

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