From the first application of electrical power in Michigan’s underground mines to the sophisticated computers and Global Positioning Satellite systems used today, Cliffs has been an innovator in the application of new technology to this centuries-old profession of mineral extraction. That successful research and development allowed for what was once considered millions of tons of useless rock to be turned into an iron ore reserve that fuels company operations today. Cliffs’ engineering and technical staffs are now engaged in full-time support of its operations and improvement of existing products.
Iron Ore
Cliffs has held a leadership role in the iron ore industry for more than 160 years. Widely recognized for innovation in mining and processing technologies and joint-venture management, we are committed to continuous improvement, providing steelmakers with high-quality, cost-effective iron ore products. Cliffs' North American operations produce 13 grades of pellets to meet customer specifications including standard, fluxed and high-manganese iron ore pellets. The company actively strives to improve cost and steelmaking performance by minimizing chemical and physical variability of all products.
Coal
Metallurgical Coal: Cliffs’ North American coal operations produces a premium quality, low volatile metallurgical coal which is very low in sulfur and has excellent coking characteristics. Also known as coking coal, it is a necessary ingredient in the production of steel.
Thermal Coal: Used for heating and processing, thermal coal can also be a raw material in the creation of chemical, industrial and household products.
Magnetite Concentrate
Cliffs produces and markets a limited quantity of magnetite concentrate. Magnetite's powder-like form and its magnetic and chemical properties make it a fairly versatile product that has a variety of uses in many industries. One common use of magnetite is as heavy media in the coal industry. Other uses range from water treatment to chemical and metallurgical applications.
Biofuel Energy Cubes
Renewafuel LLC, a subsidiary of Cliffs, produces a proprietary blend of sustainably collected renewable feedstock from local farms and businesses including wood, sawdust, corn stover, straw, paper, grasses, grains, and grain and seed hulls and screenings.
Densified cubes allow immediate use in most existing solid fuel systems with no or minimal capital modifications or improvements. Processing and compaction results in products that are consistent in size, heat value, moisture content, ash content and other key fuel characteristics. The cubes are more easily transported, stored and used than raw biofuels.
