Cliffs Natural Resources Official Response to Ontario Divisional Court Ruling (August 1, 2014)

August 1, 2014

William Boor, Executive Vice President, Corporate Development, Government Affairs and Chief Strategy Officer stated, “We’re very encouraged and pleased with the decision that came out Wednesday. The original Mining and Lands Commissioner decision created an unnecessary barrier that contributed to delays in the development of the region.

Clearly, that decision was a serious setback for development of Ring of Fire infrastructure for the benefit of First Nations, Northern Ontario, and companies with viable projects. Basically, the Divisional Court now ruled that the owner of mining claims has a right to explore those claims, but does not have rights to use the surface for any purpose or block others from using the surface for legitimate purposes.

The Divisional Court decision removes a barrier to the development of a comprehensive infrastructure plan. Beyond our project, or even the Ring of Fire, this decision clarifies important issues of law under the Mining Act that otherwise could have had significant negative ramifications for development of any mining claims in Ontario.

There is a lot more work to be done before a clear infrastructure solution can be agreed upon, but this is an encouraging development for anyone interested in all the benefits that will come from sustainable development of the Ring of Fire.”

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