Cliffs Supports the U.s. Army Partnership for Youth Success Program

CLEVELAND, Nov. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE: CLF) (Paris: CLF) announced today it has established a working relationship with the U.S. Army to support its Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) Program. Through PaYS, the Army provides pre-qualified, trained, and honorably discharged veterans as future skilled employees for the Company.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101104/CLIFFSLOGO )

"I am very pleased to announce our partnership with the U.S. Army as we celebrate Veterans Day across the nation. This is one positive way to thank and give back to our veterans," said Jim Michaud, Cliffs' senior vice president, and chief human resources officer. "Cliffs is proud to support and recruit among some of the most dedicated and patriotic young men and women." 

The Partnership for Youth Success Program is a strategic partnership between the U.S. Army and a cross section of nearly 400 corporations, companies, and public sector agencies. The program provides America's youth with an opportunity to serve their country while they prepare for their future. As a PaYS partner company, Cliffs maintains ongoing contact with soldiers identified in the program and provides interviewing opportunities at the end of their military commitment. The PaYS soldier agrees to fulfill their Army obligation and benefits with future hiring preference with a partnership company such as Cliffs. Cliffs intends to utilize this program to recruit employees for its U.S. iron ore and coal mining operations.

Cliffs has over 300 employees who are or have served in the U.S. armed forces or reserves.  The Company has a strong history of supporting its military employees and their families and has been recognized for its exemplary corporate citizenship.  This includes:

• Northshore Mining, a recipient of the Patriotic Employer Award
• "Yellow Ribbon Company" by the State of Minnesota
• Above and Beyond Award from the Michigan ESGR
• Hire Vets First Award recognized the Company's Michigan Operations in their efforts in helping veterans find employment. 

About Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.
Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. is an international mining and natural resources company. A member of the S&P 500 Index, the Company is a major global iron ore producer and a significant producer of high- and low-volatile metallurgical coal. Cliffs' strategy is to continually achieve greater scale and diversification in the mining industry through a focus on serving the world's largest and fastest growing steel markets. Driven by the core values of social, environmental and capital stewardship, Cliffs associates across the globe endeavor to provide all stakeholders operating and financial transparency.

The Company is organized through a global commercial group responsible for sales and delivery of Cliffs products and a global operations group responsible for the production of the minerals the Company markets. Cliffs operates iron ore and coal mines in North America and two iron ore mining complexes in Western Australia. In addition, Cliffs has a major chromite project, in the feasibility stage of development, located in Ontario, Canada.

News releases and other information on the Company are available on the Internet at: http://www.cliffsnaturalresources.com

SOURCE Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.