Cliffs Establishes a Relief Fund and Contributes $200,000 to Assist Local Relief Efforts 

As previously reported, during the evening of April 27, 2011 the Company's aboveground operations at its Oak Grove Mine were struck by severe weather, including a tornado. The Company also indicated that all of Oak Grove Mine's employees have returned to work. However, due to the significant damage to the mine's preparation plant and overland conveyor system, the Cliffs' operations team continues to evaluate the storm's impact to its aboveground operations. Until this evaluation is complete, Cliffs will stockpile the raw coal until the repairs to the overland conveyor system and preparation plant are completed.

"Our employees worked diligently to safely restart mining at Oak Grove Mine as quickly as possible," said Duke Vetor, senior vice president of Cliffs' North American Coal operations, "Now our focus is on evaluating the damage to the preparation plant and safely bringing it back into production to meet our customers' needs."

To assist in the recovery, Cliffs has donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross for tornado relief efforts in theBirmingham area. In addition, Cliffs will also provide $100,000 collectively to various local organizations that are providing basic essentials to victims within Oak Grove Mine's communities. The Company has also established a Relief Fund to which its employees can make contributions in support of local relief efforts.

"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this disaster," Vetor said. "The local communities where we operate are important stakeholders of the Company and we will continue to support organizations that provide assistance to those suffering as a result of this disaster."

Cliffs is currently assessing the damage at its aboveground operations and the related impact to the Company's full-year outlook for its North American Coal business segment. Further information will be communicated as appropriate and available.

Bookmark this page!