Corporate News BMK Signs FN Treaty Agreement

MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. TSX VENTURE: BMK Feb 16, 2011 08:10 ET MacDonald Mines Signs Exploration Agreement with Kasabonika Lake First Nation TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 16, 2011) - MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:BMK) ("MacDonald" or the "Company") is very pleased to announce the signing of an Exploration Agreement with the Kasabonika Lake First Nation ("KLFN"). In accordance with the Government mandate to advise and consult, MacDonald Mines continues its history of reaching accords with First Nation Communities. The company firmly believes that strong and fair working relationships between the mining exploration sector and First Nation's traditional beliefs and objectives is the cornerstone of a harmonious interface between both parties. Kirk McKinnon, President & CEO, commenting "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chief Eno H. Anderson and the Kasabonika Council for their time and desire to reach a fair and responsible agreement with MacDonald Mines. During this negotiating process, we at MacDonald Mines saw and understood the important relationship that the Kasabonika Lake First Nation has and enjoys with their traditional lands. It is this appreciation of the relationship to their traditional lands that gave MacDonald Mines the necessary understanding to work to find a fair resolution to our negotiations. I am especially gratified at the role the elders, Mr. Geordie Semple and Mr. Harry Semple, played in reaching this agreement in cooperation with Chief & Council. Their comments and passion relating to their traditional lands provided great insight and understanding for MacDonald through this process." MacDonald Mines would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Mr. Mitchell Diabo and Mr. Doug Parker who act as advisors to the community. Terms of the Agreement The exploration agreement signed on February 4, 2011 covers a 3-year period, which allows MacDonald Mines unrestricted access to explore any of its registered mineral properties located within the traditional territory of KLFN. In consideration of the above, MacDonald Mines has agreed to the following community benefits: issue securities in the form of shares and warrants to KLFN which is subject to regulatory approval one time lump sum payment ongoing payments equal to a percentage of exploration expenditures potential business relationship on mineral properties of Kasabonika Minerals Corporation. The agreement will be filed on Sedar and our website once all regulatory approvals have been obtained. Kasabonika Lake First Nation ("KLFN") Kasabonika Lake First Nation (http://www.kasabonikafirstnation.com/) is an Oji-Cree community of 1,000 people located 575 kilometers north of Thunder Bay in the Far North of Ontario (Treaty #9) and situated westward along the greenstone belts extending from the Ring of Fire. Total reserve lands are 11,000 hectares with the community being located on an island on Kasabonika Lake with connection by causeway to the mainland. The community can be accessed via air year round and by means of a winter road depending on weather conditions. Kasabonika faces the many challenges of a young, rapidly growing population and the need for jobs, training, housing, infrastructure, economic & business opportunities for residents while maintaining their culture, traditional activities, improving the quality of life, as well as the overall community health. Opportunities are forecasted to occur chiefly in mineral exploration and mining; complemented by tourism; small business; arts and crafts; import substitution; bulk fuels; aviation; hotels; and development of major infrastructure, such as all-weather/winter roads and electrification generation/transmission. To that end, KLFN has established the Kasabonika Minerals Corporation and Kasabonika Community Development Corporation, while partnering in the Wasaya Group (http://www.wasayagroup.com/). The community has good infrastructure and is well equipped to provide support and services to the exploration sector. MacDonald Mines wishes to recognize the important role played by the Ontario Government and in particular the MNDMF. Premier McGuinty through his recognition of the importance of the Ring of Fire in the future economic development of the province, brings important focus on the exploration success and the emerging importance of mining in the James Bay Lowland area of Ontario. The appointment of the Ring of Fire Coordinator and ongoing support for developing relationships and community capacity building through the Ministry's Aboriginal Relations Unit, played an important role in the success of this initiative. The success of this agreement is another important milestone for MacDonald as it demonstrates the company's ability to reach fair and responsible agreements with the First Nation Communities. The company also has a current agreement in place with the Community of Webequie and had a previous arrangement with the Community of Summer Beaver. It was a team effort at MacDonald, but special appreciation goes to, John Sanderson, Chairman of MacDonald Mines, and Richard Schler, COO & CFO whose extra efforts and dedication led the company to this agreement. The Semple-Hulbert Property Within the Territorial Territory of KLFN The data compiled to-date for the Semple-Hulbert property has been reviewed by leading experts in the nickel field, and has been described as a Voisey's Bay look-alike. The property contains very conductive and discrete targets within a layered magnetic structure, which is typical of magmatic massive sulphides containing nickel. Target prioritization will be completed in March with diamond drilling following shortly thereafter. About MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd MacDonald Mines is a mineral exploration company with an established exploration history in the Canadian Northlands. MacDonald Mines has set upon a strategic direction of exploration with particular focus on nickel, chrome, copper, zinc, vanadium and titanium in the "Ring of Fire" area of the James Bay Lowlands of Northern Ontario. Hadyn Butler, P.Geo. played the key role in providing the necessary insight into the land acquisition of MacDonald's properties in the Ring of Fire. His experience and skills in interpreting geologic areas of economic interest also led to the acquisition of the Semple-Hulbert property. As detailed in the Company's recent press releases, MacDonald Mines has several significant mineral opportunities across multiple properties in the James Bay Lowlands. On its Butler Property, new volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mineralization of substance has been discovered. Four VMS mineralized greenstone fold limbs, all of which have now yielded VMS mineralization over a potential cumulative strike length of approximately 20 kilometres, have been identified and the Butler Property has the potential to host a new VMS camp with characteristics similar to those seen at Matagami or Noranda in Quebec. The Company's Sanderson Property (formerly the Big Mac Property) exhibits high-priority nickel and copper targets with geological and geophysical signatures similar to the Eagles Nest discovery of Noront Resources. Quentin Yarie, P.Geo., is the qualified person in regard to the technical data contained within this news release and will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Company's exploration programs. Administration The Company will be applying to the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") for approval of the following transactions. A total of 7,678,947 common share purchase warrants with an exercise price of $0.25 per share expiring on August 18, 2012 to be extended for three years. A total of 10,935,000 stock options with an exercise price of $0.15 per share expiring between September 2011 and November 2011 have been amended for a term of five years at an exercise price of $0.15, in accordance with the Company's stock option plan. The above noted items are subject to approval of the Exchange. More detailed information about the Company is available on the website at http://www.macdonaldmines.com/  Feb 14, 2011 08:00 ET MacDonald Mines to Commence Drilling on the Butler and Semple-Hulbert Properties TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 14, 2011) - MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:BMK) ("MacDonald" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it will commence a 6,000 meter diamond drill program on its Butler Lake and Semple-Hulbert Properties in the James Bay Lowlands of Northern Ontario. The 3,000 meter Butler Lake program is scheduled to commence in the third week of February, while the 3,000 meter Semple-Hulbert program is scheduled to commence in March. The Butler Lake drill program will focus on high priority vanadium, nickel-copper-platinum group element (Ni-Cu-PGE), and volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) targets. The Semple-Hulbert drill program will focus on high priority Ni-Cu-PGE targets in a never-before-drilled geologic complex that geophysicaly has been interpreted to resemble the Voisey's Bay Ni-Cu deposit. Butler Lake Property Vanadium With the identification of high tenor vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) during the past exploration program (up to 1.57%), and the subsequent analysis of the geophysics underlying the area, the Company believes that there are at least two trends of vanadium-bearing magnetite gabbro with intersections up to 64.5m with strike lengths of 6 and 7 kilometers respectively. Vanadium-bearing magnetite in the form of ferrovanadium is used as a strengthener and hardener for high-strength tools, and specialty steels. The Company believes that the delineation of vanadiferous trends on the Butler Property would be of particular interest to steel companies interested in vertical integration. As such, the Company will test the strike length of these potentially vanadiferous horizons with diamond drilling during the upcoming exploration program. VMS The recognition of the similarities in geologic setting within the Butler Lake property and that found at Kidd Creek by Dr. James Franklin, P.Geo has resulted in a focused analysis and subsequent synthesis of all geologic, geochemical, and geophysical data within areas prospective for VMS mineralization. This multidisciplinary synthesis has resulted in the selection of high priority drill targets which the company will test with ~3000m of drilling during the upcoming program. Ni-Cu-PGE The identification of unequivocal komatiites and magmatic nickel sulphides on the Butler Lake property by Dr. Larry Hulbert, P.Geo, has demonstrated to the Company that the property has the potential to host significant Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization of a similar tenor to that observed at Noront Resources' Eagle 1 deposit. The economic importance of komatiite was first widely recognized in the early 1960s with the discovery of massive nickel sulfide mineralization at Kambalda, Western Australia. Komatiite-hosted nickel-copper sulfide mineralization today accounts for about 14% of the world's nickel production, mostly from Australia, Canada and South Africa. The Company will target high priority Ni-Cu-PGE targets with diamond drill holes during the upcoming program. Semple-Hulbert Property The data compiled to-date for the Semple-Hulbert property has been reviewed by leading experts in the nickel field, and has been described as a Voisey's Bay look-alike. Target prioritization will be completed over the area in March, with diamond drilling following shortly thereafter. MacDonald Mines invites investors to visit its booth No. 2350 at the investor exchange of the PDAC 2011 located in the south building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from March 6 to March 9, 2011.   "I don't see this news helping the ROF at all" TD MacDonald Mines Provides Exploration Update: Announces Formation of Technical Advisory Committee-Hadyn Butler, B.Sc., James Franklin, Ph.D., and Larry Hulbert, Ph.D. Marketwire - Canada TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 9, 2011) - Macdonald Mines Exploration Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:BMK) ("MacDonald" or "the Company") is pleased to announce final assay results from its fall 2010 drill program, and provide a project update for its Butler and Hornby Properties located within the southern portion of the emerging "Ring of Fire" exploration play in the James Bay Lowlands region of northern Ontario.   Fall 2010 Exploration Program   The fall exploration program was comprised of 10 diamond drill holes (MN10-132 through MN10-141) drilled around previous targets delineated through bore-hole, airborne and ground geophysics over the Butler Property, and 2 diamond drill holes (HB10-01 and HB10-02) drilled over targets delineated through airborne and ground geophysics over the Hornby Property. In total, 3,305 metres (2,775.3 m at Butler and 530.1 m at Hornby) were drilled. In summary:   -- The Butler property holes were intended to extend the favourable intersections from the previous drill program and also to confirm the interpreted geologic model(s). -- Two stratigraphic holes (MN10-139 & MN10-140) were drilled specifically to confirm (successfully) the komatiite sequence north of Butler 3 -- Of the other 8 holes drilled on Butler, 2 were terminated before target depth due to technical/mechanical reasons -- Lithologic relogging of all diamond drill core was completed -- Alteration identification and quantification has been completed -- Whole rock lithogeochemical sampling was conducted over representative drill core -- Whole rock analysis indicates high grade vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) up to 1.57% -- Whole rock analysis indicates anomalous PGE values -- Technical advisory panel appointed Vanadium Found Through Whole Rock Analysis   The vanadium mineralization was identified during the overall Butler property core re-sampling program, which was specifically designed to identify and categorize rock types. During the course of the re-logging program, 531 single point whole rock lithogeochemical samples were collected to quantify the elemental signatures associated with various rock types. During the analysis of these results, anomalous vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) was identified in massive magnetite. The following single point samples which identified vanadium mineralization are presented in the table below:   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Drill Hole Depth (m) V2O5(%) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MN07-49 37.6 1.57 MN07-49 62.1 1.39 MN07-49 66.5 1.14 MN10-110 18.25 1.02 MN10-110 141.35 1.15 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company believes these anomalously high V2O5 results warrant further exploration follow-up, since vanadium-bearing magnetite in the form of ferrovanadium is used as a strengthener and hardener for high-strength tool, and specialty steels.   Anomalous PGE Values Confirmed   During the course of the fall 2010 exploration program, a drill hole from 2008 with anomalous PGE's (platinum group elements) was re-examined. This drill hole (MN08-56) returned assay values of 24 ppb Pt and 177 ppb Pd over a 3.5 metre interval, and upon examination was found to contain very rare disseminated sulphides with the exception of a 5 mm wide vein of pyrite and pyrrhotite cross-cutting the core at down-hole depth of 66.15 m, and a 5 to 15 mm wide vein of predominantly pyrrhotite cross-cutting the core at 68.0 m. The drill core was re-sampled at tighter intervals, and submitted for PGE analysis. The 2010 analyses, along with the original 2008 analysis, are presented in the table below:   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Drill Hole Analysis From To Interval (m) Pt (ppb) Pd (ppb) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MN08-56 2008 66 69.5 3.5 24 177 MN08-56 2010 66.15 66.25 0.1 35 67 MN08-56 2010 68 68.15 0.15 128 946 MN08-56 2010 74 74.16 0.16 42 289 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The presence of anomalous platinum and palladium concentrations over 3.5 m and the elevated to high values associated with narrow sulphide enriched fractions within the core indicate that any magmatic sulphide segregations on the property should also be platinum and palladium rich similar to the nickel-copper (Ni-Cu) sulphides from the Eagles Nest ore deposits.   Technical Advisory Committee Appointed   Based upon the promising results obtained to date, the Company believes that the Butler Property has the potential to host significant Ni-Cu, VMS and V2O5 mineralization. To that end, the Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Hadyn Butler, B.Sc., P.Geo, James Franklin, Ph.D, P.Geo and Larry Hulbert, Ph.D, P.Geo., to the Technical Advisory Committee to oversee the planning and advancement of future exploration programs.   Nickel Potential of Butler   Larry Hulbert, Ph.D, P.Geo. has been retained by the Company to review the magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE potential of the Company's Properties. As part of this review, Mr. Hulbert conducted a site visit in early October, 2010 in order to further the geologic understanding of the mafic and ultramafic geology of the property, and more importantly to examine the potential of the Property for hosting Ni-Cu-PGE deposits.   Dr. Hulbert has over 38 years of extensive geological knowledge and expertise on Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization, with 23 years as Senior Research Scientist specializing in the Metallogeny of Mafic-Ultramafic Rocks and associated Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization with the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC).   Dr. Hulbert identified ubiquitous highly differentiated gabbroic rocks on the property, which he hypothesized could have been the 'heat source' for observed VMS mineralization. Due to the gabbro's high level of differentiation, Dr. Hulbert also determined that the underlying geology of the Property has the potential to host significant chromium, iron, titanium and vanadium deposits.   Of significance to the Property's Ni potential, Mr. Hulbert also identified unequivocal komatiites on the Property. Komatiites are extremely high temperature extrusive rocks that can host significant magmatic Ni deposits (eg. Thompson Ni Belt, Manitoba; Raglan, Quebec; Kambalda, Australia). According to Dr. Hulbert:   'One of the most striking observations was the abundance and widespread nature of gabbroic rocks and their extreme degree of differentiation. Of equal if not more importance was the recognition for the first time of komatiites. The presence of true komatiites raises the Ni-Cu-PGE prospectivity of the property to a new level not previously appreciated.'   Recently Mungall et. al presented a paper at the 11th International Platinum Symposium entitled "The Eagle's Nest Komatiite-Hosted Ni-Cu-PGE Sulphide Deposit in the James Bay Lowlands, Ontario" describing Noront Resources Ltd.'s recent Ni-Cu-PGE discovery, and speculating on its komatiitic origin. Although komatiites have yet to be discovered on the Noront property, the discovery of true komatiites on the Butler Property not only confirms Mungall et. al's hypothesis for the origin of the Eagle's nest Ni-Cu-PGE sulphide deposit, but also increases the prospectivity for similar Ni-Cu-PGE discoveries on the Butler Property.   VMS Expert Identifies Property Geology as Similar to Kidd Creek   James Franklin, Ph.D, P.Geo. has also been retained by the Company to review the volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) potential of the Company's Properties. As part of this review, Dr. Franklin conducted a site visit in mid-October to analyze drill core.   Dr. Franklin has over 40 years of extensive geological knowledge and expertise of mineral deposits and regional metallogney. He serves as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, was past President of both the Geological Association of Canada and the Society of Economic Geologists, has served as Chief Geoscientist of Earth Sciences Sector for the GSC, and is an Adjunct Professor at Queen's University.   Based on examination of drill core, Dr. Franklin made the following observations:   'Overall, the Butler Lake area has most of the attributes of a high-T, copper-dominant VMS system. The predominance of mafic and ultramafic sills represents a probable heat source to 'drive' such a system. Most settings of this type contain a log-normally distributed set of deposits, including one that should be greater than 20mt, and several in the 3-6mt range. The area most closely resembles the Kidd Creek setting, except that at Butler there seem to be at least 4 discrete hydrothermal centres.'   Assay Results   Partial assay results are presented in the table below:   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Drill Hole From To Interval Cu Zn Pt Pd (m) (m) (m) (%) (%) (ppb) (ppb) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MN10-132 234.7 245.22 10.52 0.327 0.363 MN10-133 392.36 397.33 6.04 0.177 3.43 Incl. 392.36 394.62 2.26 0.165 8.20 MN10-133 414.78 426.17 11.39 0.266 0.307 MN10-134 104.2 108 3.8 0.125 0.019 42.26 32.26 MN10-134 122.35 123.3 0.95 0.270 0.012 17.76 23.12 MN10-135 65 67 2 0.142 6.235 MN10-138 241.1 251.95 10.85 0.649 2.709 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- HB10-02 300.4 303.85 3.45 0.003 1.070 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company drilled holes HB10-01 and HB10-02 to test for lithologies associated with volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mineralization. HB10-01 and HB10-02 intersected 167 metres and 230 metres respectively of intercalated and altered mafic and quartz-eye-bearing felsic volcanics with disseminated and semi-massive sulphides. This lithologic package verifies that the Hornby property is highly prospective for VMS mineralization. The geophysical anomaly (electromagnetic) associated with this package extends over 1 km in an east-west direction.   A complete summary table of all assay results from the 2010 drill program can found at: http://www.macdonaldmines.com/images/stories/properties/butler_assays_feb2011.pdf.   Rigorous Scientific Approach Based on Expert's Recommendations   Based on recommendations from Hadyn Butler, Dr. Hulbert and Dr. Franklin, the Company undertook a rigorous examination in November and December 2010 of diamond drill core on the Property from areas deemed highly prospective for VMS and magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization. This examination included the following:   -- Lithologic relogging of diamond drill core -- Alteration mineral assemblage identification and quantification -- Whole rock lithogeochemical sampling Several geologists were involved in logging the diamond drill holes drilled on the Property (25,560 m in 142 drill holes over a 6 year period). As a result, there were discrepancies in lithologic identification. The purpose of the re-logging completed in late 2010, was to establish consistent and correlatable lithologic coding to enable the establishment of a stratigraphically constrained geologic model.   Kirk McKinnon, President and CEO comments: "MacDonald has worked hard and tenaciously in its efforts to advance the James Bay Properties. Building upon the broad foundation of historical drill holes, three generations of airborne geophysics, ground geophysics and whole rock analysis the company has a solid foundation of information required to direct its exploration. We believe based upon the analysis of the Company's exploration team and the superb insights of our Technical Advisory Committee that MacDonald is poised for discovery in 2011. I am especially gratified that the entire exploration group has come together to manage the exploration program and their involvement and commitment speaks to their belief regarding the potential of the MacDonald properties. I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that Quentin Yarie, P.Geo., will assume the role of Senior Vice President of Exploration. Quentin will also join the MacDonald Mines Board of Directors replacing Robin Chisholm. MacDonald Mines would like to sincerely thank Robin for his efforts and tenure on the MacDonald Board."     CN targets C$1.7 billion in 2011 capital investments to maintain and improve its network and grow the business Company investment in infrastructure, equipment and technology helps economic growth in Canada and the United States MONTREAL, Feb. 9 /CNW Telbec/ - CN (TSX: CNR)(NYSE: CNI) announced today plans to invest C$1.7 billion in 2011 to maintain a safe and fluid railway network, to grow the business efficiently and to continue to provide customers with a high level of service. Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer, said: "CN is focused on running a safe, sustainable railway and growing our business profitably at low incremental cost. We are pursuing this agenda through infrastructure investments, strengthening ties with our customers, and innovative service improvements. Our service innovations include 'first-mile/last-mile' initiatives that respond to customer needs at origin and destination, and supply chain collaboration that emphasizes an end-to-end view of service quality. "CN's capital spending program is critical to these safety, growth and service objectives. In the last five years, CN spent almost C$8 billion on capital improvements. Such investments serve to build a quality network that, in turn, supports economic growth across Canada and the United States." Approximately C$1 billion of CN's 2011 capital investment program will be targeted on track infrastructure to maintain safe railway operations and to improve the productivity and fluidity of its rail network. This includes replacement of rail, ties and other track materials and bridge improvements, as well as rail-line improvements on the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E) that CN acquired in 2009. The EJ&E addresses the "missing link" for CN in Chicago, connecting its five rail lines entering the city; full integration of the EJ&E will result in improved reliability and service. CN's infrastructure envelope includes funds for strategic initiatives across the system and additional network improvements in western and eastern Canada. Equipment spending, which is intended to improve the quality of the fleet to meet customer requirements and includes the acquisition of new fuel-efficient locomotives as well as new freight cars, is targeted to reach approximately C$200 million in 2011. CN also expects to spend approximately C$500 million on facilities to grow the business, including transloads and distribution centers to serve off-line customers; new information technology to support operational and service excellence and other projects to increase productivity.   I just had to post this up to show how good the Eagle deposit is CANADIAN ARROW INTERSECTS 5.89% NICKEL AT KELEX SUDBURY, ON, Feb. 9 /CNW/ - Canadian Arrow Mines, Ltd. (CRO: TSX-V) (the "Company") reports intersecting 5.89% Ni over 0.6 metre and 2.51% Ni over 0.3 metre intervals of massive sulphides within a larger interval averaging 1.37% Ni over 3.7 metres on its Timmins, Ontario Kelex nickel project.  Hole 2010-11 was drilled on the same section as, and 78 metres below,  previously reported hole 2010-03 which intersected 0.45% Ni over 8.5 metres including 0.61% Ni over 1.1 metres.  Hole 2010-10 drilled on the same section mid-distance between both holes intersected 0.48% Ni over 3 metres.  Holes 2010-10 and 11 have successfully extended the Kelex West (KW) zone nickel sulphide mineralization 70 metres further to depth. Mr. Kim Tyler, President of the Company, said, "Besides observing increased grades with depth we are also pleased by the occurrence of high grade massive sulphide mineralization in 2010-11. Intercepting nickel bearing massive sulphides with the limited amount of historical drilling at this depth is very encouraging. The genetic nature of these deposits consists of heavy, high grade massive sulphide pods settling and strung out along magma flow channels at footwall contacts.  The fluid dynamics are similar to placer deposits in surface river systems.  These holes will aid in the interpretation of magma flow direction and exploration of more such pods at depth and along strike." Those intercepts are nothing compared to NOT's   January 31, Mark your Calendars Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. to Announce 2010 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Financial Results Feb. 16; Conference Call Feb. 17 CLEVELAND, Jan. 31, 2011 /CNW/ -- Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE: CLF) (Paris: CLF) today said it intends to announce unaudited 2010 fourth-quarter and full-year financial results after the U.S.-market close Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101104/CLIFFSLOGO ) The Company invites interested parties to listen to a live broadcast of a conference call with securities analysts and institutional investors to discuss the results. When: Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011, at 10 a.m. ET Joseph A. Carrabba, Chairman, President Hosts: and Chief Executive Officer Laurie Brlas, Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration & Chief Financial Officer Steven R. Baisden, Senior Director, Investor Relations and Communications Web Address: http://www.cliffsnaturalresources.com/ If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will be archived at http://www.cliffsnaturalresources.com/ for 30 days. To be added to Cliffs Natural Resources' e-mail distribution list, please click on the link below: http://www.cpg-llc.com/clearsite/clf/emailoptin.html 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, we are the largest producer of iron ore pellets in North America, a major supplier of direct-shipping lump and fines iron ore out of Australia and a significant producer of metallurgical coal. With core values of environmental and capital stewardship, our colleagues across the globe endeavor to provide all stakeholders operating and financial transparency as embodied in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework. Our Company is organized through three geographic business units: The North American business unit is comprised of six iron ore mines owned or managed in Michigan, Minnesota and Canada and six coking coal mining complexes located in West Virginia and Alabama. The Asia Pacific business unit is comprised of two iron ore mining complexes in Western Australia and a 45% economic interest in a coking and thermal coal mine in Queensland, Australia. The Latin American business unit includes a 30% interest in the Amapa Project, an iron ore project in the state of Amapa in Brazil. Other projects under development include a biomass fuel production plant in Michigan and Ring of Fire chromite properties in Ontario, Canada. Over recent years, Cliffs has been executing a strategy designed to achieve scale in the mining industry and focused on serving the world's largest and fastest growing steel markets. News releases and other information on the Company are available on the Internet at: http://www.cliffsnaturalresources.com/ or www.cliffsnaturalresources.com/Investors/Pages/default.aspx?b=1041&1=1. Follow Cliffs on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/CliffsIR.     RING OF FIRE CHIEFS INVITED TO JOIN CANADA CHROME BOARD Press Release   Symbol on TSX-Venture : KWG.V Shares issued and outstanding: 623,458,941      RING OF FIRE CHIEFS INVITED TO JOIN CANADA CHROME BOARD Montreal, Canada - January 18, 2011 - KWG Resources Inc. (TSXV: KWG) has extended invitations to the Chiefs of five First Nations in the Ring of Fire area to join the Board of Directors of its subsidiary Canada Chrome Corporation (“CCC”). “Late last year we advised Chiefs Elijah Moonias, Cornelius Wabasse, Sonny Gagnon, Roy Moonias and Lewis Nate that there appeared to be technical and economic merit to proceeding with a feasibility study of the railroad for which we have staked a right-of-way and sampled soil profiles,” said KWG President Frank Smeenk. “Should subsequent development ensue which physically affects their traditional lands, there must first be prior consultation and accommodation, as is well understood by all constituencies. The entire Matawa family of First Nations is enthusiastic to see these developments progress. To facilitate and expedite the process, we felt that the extensive consultation necessary could be most effectively undertaken by having the leading members of the five most directly impacted communities participate in the corporate planning from the outset. In this way those who are most affected by these hoped-for developments can become the proponents of them.”  Golder Associates were retained by CCC to conduct testing of the soil profiles from samples taken last winter at 1000-foot intervals along the length of the potential right-of-way. The voluminous data generated from these tests will be incorporated into a design and construction model being prepared by Krech Ojard & Associates, the railroad engineering firm retained by CCC. Estimates for embankment construction may then be combined with estimates for bridge construction to determine a potential total cost estimate and possible construction timetable in a preliminary feasibility study. Such a preliminary study would describe the economic parameters and environmental issues that must be considered in the consultation process. KWG also advises that its Board of Directors has awarded options to purchase 11 million treasury shares at $0.10 each under the provisions of the Company’s Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan. Of the total awards, 2.5 million were allocated to employees and consultants of the Company and of its subsidiaries, 2.5 million to directors, 2.5 million to directors who are also officers, and 3.5 million to officers of the Company and of its subsidiaries. The options vest over a period of 18 months and are exercisable over a period of five years.  The Company has also extended the completion of its previously announced private placement of flow-through shares to January 31, 2011.   NORONT RESUMES DRILLING AT MCFAULDS LAKE AND ANNOUNCES FINAL RESULTS FOR 2010 EXPLORATION TORONTO, Jan. 20 /CNW/ - Noront Resources Ltd. ("Noront" or the "Company") (TSX Venture: NOT) is pleased to report all remaining assay results from the 2010 exploration program, including results from holes drilled to collect metallurgical samples, at the Company's McFaulds Lake Project in the James Bay Lowlands, Ontario. The Company is also pleased to announce that exploration has resumed for the winter season. Highlights - Metallurgical - geotechnical holes at Eagle's Nest: NOT-10-GT04 intersected 206.3 meters of 4.6% Ni, 2.1% Cu, 1.87 gpt Pt and 7.76 gpt Pd NOT-10-GT01 intersected 48.3 meters of 1.9% Ni, 1.0% Cu, 1.03 gpt Pt and 3.59 gpt Pd Highlights - Regional Drilling 2010: NOT-10-1G186 intersected 1.2 meters of 0.6% Ni, 0.2% Cu, 0.08 gpt Pt and 0.76 gpt Pd NOT-10-1G195 intersected 7.8 meters of 0.4% Ni, 0.1% Cu, 0.08 gpt Pt and 0.41 gpt Pd Noront's President and CEO, Wes Hanson, notes, "Hole NOT-10-GT04, targeted to intersect a broad interval of massive sulphide mineralization at Eagle's Nest for metallurgical sampling, returned one of the best intervals to date confirming the predictive accuracy of resource model. The regional drilling program significantly expanded the limits of the ultramafic rocks that host nickel, copper sulphide mineralization. This expanded footprint has generated additional target areas prospective for nickel, copper sulphides within Noront's large land area." Mr. Hanson adds: "The Company has resumed exploration for the winter season and our focus continues to be the discovery of additional nickel, copper sulphide resources. Initial drilling will focus on the Western and Thunderbird intrusive complexes while ground geophysical surveys are completed at AT-12. On completion of the geophysics, drilling of the AT-12 Complex will commence. We are looking forward to drilling additional targets at AT-12 where the Company has intersected the best nickel, copper sulphides grades outside of Eagle's Nest." 2011 Winter Exploration Program: The 2011 winter program is fully funded and consists of ground based geophysical surveys and diamond drilling. The focus is on the discovery of additional nickel, copper sulphide mineralization similar to or larger than the Eagle's Nest discovery. The Company believes additional nickel, copper sulphide mineralization may be buried and therefore does not provide a strong response using airborne geophysics. As a result, ground geophysical surveys of the AT-12 Complex are planned to assist in identifying drill targets. A total of 10,000 metres of drilling is planned during the winter program. Drilling will utilize two drill rigs for the duration of the program. One drill is currently testing strong borehole geophysical targets within the Western Complex approximately 3 to 4 kilometres southwest of Eagle's Nest. Once completed, this drill will move to the Eagle's Nest Complex to test borehole and surface electromagnetic targets identified in 2010. These targets have the potential to host nickel, copper sulphide mineralization that could increase the mineral resources for the project. The second drill is currently testing strong geophysical targets at the Thunderbird Complex, specifically to the west of and the extension of the Thunderbird iron, titanium, vanadium ("Fe-Ti-V") discovery. As with AT-12, access to this area in the summer months is difficult. The onset of winter conditions allows the Company to drill at Thunderbird at a significantly reduced cost. Regional magnetic surveys indicate that the Thunderbird Complex has a 7.0 kilometre strike length. Drilling to date has intersected elevated Fe-Ti-V mineralization over substantial thickness along a 1.0 kilometre strike length. Iron occurs primarily as magnetite that may be amenable to magnetic separation to produce a quality iron concentrate. The Company plans to drill three to five holes to gain a better understanding of the Thunderbird mineralization. The following Table summarizes the results (previously reported) at Thunderbird. Thunderbird Drill Results (previously reported April 30, 2009 and July 29, 2009) HOLE ID FROM (m) TO (m) INT. (m) V2O5 % TiO2 % Fe3O4 % NOT-09-2G21 132.55 310.58 178.03 0.36 2.77 24.72 and 397.2 496.84 99.64 0.36 2.66 23.58 NOT-09-2G24 64.73 229.59 164.86 0.36 2.79 24.63 and 319.91 433.56 113.65 0.33 2.65 23.2 NOT-09-2G25 75.8 317.21 241.41 0.37 3.07 25.85 The mineralized intervals above do not represent true widths, which cannot be determined at this time. At AT-12, the Company has initiated deep penetrating surface geophysical surveys that are designed to identify highly conductive mineralization to depths approaching 600 metres. This will be the first time such technology has been utilized by Noront in the Ring of Fire.  The objective of the ground based geophysics is to identify potentially buried nickel, copper sulphide mineralization at AT-12. The Company's geologists and advisors believe that AT-12 is part of a feeder system that is geologically similar to the Eagle's Nest discovery. Previous drilling has intersected significant nickel, copper sulphide mineralization at AT-12. Considering the size and extent of the chromite discoveries to the south of AT-12, the Company believes that the AT-12 feeder system could potentially be much larger than the feeder system at Eagle's Nest. (http://norontresources.com/find/id/55/Qp). Metallurgical and Geotechnical Drilling Program: The Company completed a five-hole drill program to acquire geotechnical data and to collect representative samples for initial metallurgical testing of the Eagle's Nest deposit. Hole NOT-10-GT04 was targeted to intersect massive sulphide mineralization over a broad interval length. This hole successfully intersected over 200 metres of massive sulphide mineralization as planned, confirming the predictive accuracy of the current resource model for Eagle's Nest. With the exception of NOT-10-GT02, samples collected from the drill holes were split with half of the core sent for assay and the other half used to generate metallurgical samples for future testing. In the case of NOT-10-GT02 the core was not split and the entire mineralized interval was used for metallurgical samples. Therefore, no assay data is available. Hole NOT-10-GT02 did intersect nickel, copper sulphide mineralization as planned. (http://norontresources.com/find/id/56/qD)  (http://norontresources.com/find/id/57/d2) Metallurgical samples have been received at SGS Lakefield labs in Peterborough, Ontario. The metallurgical test work is currently underway with results anticipated in the first quarter of 2011. The following Table summarizes the results of all holes completed for the metallurgical and geotechnical field program. All of the holes drilled for metallurgical and geotechnical purposes are located within or near the Eagle's Nest nickel, copper, platinum and palladium discovery. HOLE ID FROM (m) TO (m) INT. (m) Ni % Cu % Pt gpt Pd gpt Au gpt                   NOT-10-GT01 147.2 195.5 48.3 1.88 0.96 1.03 3.59 0.12 NOT-10-GT02 Hole not sampled, whole core used to form metallurgical composite samples NOT-10-GT03 Excessive deviation, restarted as NOT-10-GT03A NOT-10-GT03A 633.8 701.5 67.7 1.57 0.88 1.04 2.90 0.31 NOT-10-GT04 47.0 253.3 206.3 4.58 2.10 1.87 7.76 0.19 NOT-10-GT05 117.4 138.5 21.1 2.14 2.02 2.42 4.51 0.30 The mineralized intervals above do not represent true widths, which cannot be determined at this time. 2010 Regional Exploration: Regional drilling in the fall of 2010 increased the lateral extent of the ultramafic host rocks to the north and west of Eagle's Nest, providing an expanded footprint for future exploration. At the Western Complex, west of Eagle's Nest, drilling encountered narrow zones of disseminated sulphide mineralization, indicating potential for larger zones.(http://norontresources.com/find/id/58/58). The following table presents the complete results from the regional exploration drill program from the fall 2010 program. HOLE ID FROM (m) TO (m) INT. (m) Ni % Cu % Pt gpt Pd gpt Au gpt                   NOT-10-099 No significant assays NOT-10-1G186 358.7 359.9 1.2 0.62 0.19 0.08 0.76 0.04 NOT-10-1G187 100.6 100.7 0.1 0.00 1.15 0.01 0.01 0.01 NOT-10-1G188 No significant assays   NOT-10-1G189 No significant assays   NOT-10-1G190 672 674 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.66 NOT-10-1G191 566.6 567.0 0.4 0.59 0.11 0.11 0.24 0.01 NOT-10-1G192 318.1 318.4 0.3 0.63 0.17 0.54 1.54 0.07 NOT-10-1G193 No significant assays NOT-10-1G194 242.1 242.5 0.4 0.00 0.70 0.00 0.00 0.25 Also 251.3 251.5 0.2 0.02 1.00 0.00 0.01 0.45 NOT-10-1G195 72.2 80.0 7.8 0.36 0.09 0.08 0.41 0.06 NOT-10-1G196 No significant assays NOT-10-1G197 No significant assays The mineralized intervals do not represent true widths, which cannot be determined at this time. The Company advises that no further assay results are outstanding at this time. INDEPENDENT QUALITY CONTROL AND ANALYTICAL PROTOCOL A thorough quality control program has been in effect for the McFaulds Lake Project, which includes grouping samples into batches of 35 into which are added 2 certified reference material standards. 2 field and pulp duplicates also form part of the quality control program. It can be said with confidence that all assays reported in this Press Release have passed the strict quality control guidelines as set out by Noront's Qualified Person. All samples reported upon herein were completed by Activation Labs ("Actlabs)" of Ancaster, Ontario.  The samples submitted to Actlabs were analyzed for multi-elements, including Ni and Cu using a four acid digestion and by ICP analysis.  The samples that received base metal values greater than the upper limit for the method underwent further analysis using ICP-OES.  For the Au, Pd and Pt, the assay methodology was Fire Assay on a 30 gram aliquot with an ICP finish.  Silver was analyzed using a 3-acid digest with an ICP analysis.  For more information on assay methodology please visit the Actlabs website at http://www.actlabsint.com/. For further information on the McFaulds Lake Project, please refer to the Company's NI 43-101 compliant technical report "Technical Report and Resource Estimate, McFaulds Lake Project, James Bay Lowlands, Ontario Canada" (effective April 23, 2010) available on the Company's website and at http://www.sedar.com/. The preparation of this press release has been supervised by Noront's senior management including Jeremy Niemi, P.Geo. Vice President, Geology, who is a Qualified Person under Canadian Securities Administrators guidelines. About Noront:  Noront Resources Ltd. is focused on its significant and multiple, high-grade nickel-copper-platinum-palladium, chromite, gold and vanadium discoveries in an area known as the "Ring of Fire", an emerging multi-metals district located in the James Bay Lowlands of Ontario, Canada. Noront is the largest land holder at the Ring of Fire and continues to delineate and prove up its discoveries with NI 43-101 technical and economic reports and an aggressive and well financed drill plan for 2011. All material information on Noront can be found on the Company's website at http://www.norontresources.com/ or at SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com/  Wesley (Wes) Hanson President & Chief Executive Officer Comments to rofmonitor@gmail.com Cassels Brock & Blackwell starts 2011 strong with $19B in M&A mining transactions TORONTO, Jan. 18 /CNW/ - Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, a leading law firm in the mining industry, is off to an unprecedented start in 2011, reporting $19B in M&A mining transactions in just the past few weeks. Deals include:  Lundin Mining Corporation and Inmet Mining Corporation announced January 12, 2011, that they have entered into an agreement to merge as equals, creating Symterra Corporation, which will be one of the world's leading international copper producers.  Cassels Brock is acting for Lundin Mining Corporation in this $9B deal. Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines Limited (CLM) announced January 11, 2011, that it has entered into a definitive agreement where Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. will acquire all outstanding CLM common shares valued at approximately $4.9B.  Cassels Brock is acting for the CLM transaction committee. Goldcorp Inc. completed its acquisition of Andean Resources Limited, valued at $3.6B, on December 31, 2010.  Cassels Brock acted for Goldcorp. Franco-Nevada entered into an arrangement agreement on January 6, 2011, to acquire Gold Wheaton for $830M.  Cassels Brock is acting for Gold Wheaton. AUX Canada Acquisition Inc. (Eike Batista) continues with its all-cash offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Ventana Gold Corp. that it does not already own for $1.2B.  The offer values Ventana at approximately $1.5B.  Cassels Brock is acting for AUX. Duluth Metals Limited entered into an arrangement agreement on December 20, 2010, to acquire Franconia Minerals Corporation for $76M.  Cassels Brock is acting for Franconia Minerals Corporation on this transaction. The firm, known for its robust mining practice, has been involved in close to 400 mining deals over the past five years but reports that this level of M&A activity in a single month is unprecedented.  As well, Cassels Brock reports that its clients have been busy tapping the capital markets.  The firm acted on close to $1.5B in mining equity financings in the last two months of 2010. No comment on ROF activity from Probe but that may indicative of their 'show me the money' position in the ROF Probe Mines Limited TSX VENTURE: PRB Jan 18, 2011 08:00 ET Probe Mines Commences Second Phase Drilling on the Cree Lake Project, Swayze Belt, Ontario TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 18, 2011) - The Directors of Probe Mines Limited (TSX VENTURE:PRB) (Probe) are pleased to announce that the Company has commenced a second phase diamond drilling program on its Cree Lake Project, currently under option from Mantis Mineral Corp (CNSX:MYN) ("Mantis"). The drill program is designed to follow up on results from a summer drill program that returned numerous, zones of gold mineralization including a five (5) metre section grading 2.3 g/t Au and individual assays of up to 8 g/t Au. The property is also host to a thick (15.5 metre), near surface, gold zone averaging 2.05 g/t Au discovered by Mantis in 2009 and the historical Flintrock showing, where one hole from the summer program intersected 24 g/t Au over one metre . The program will comprise a minimum of five holes to test for a possible northwesterly dip of the thick, lower grade gold mineralized horizon discovered by Mantis. In addition, the program will target the potential northeast extension of the gold discovery, an area that has not been previously tested by drilling. Marathon Drilling of Ottawa is providing the drilling services for this program. Probe is currently earning up to a 70% interest in the Cree Lake property from Mantis. The Mantis occurrence represents a new gold discovery in the Swayze Belt represented by a quartz stockwork system carrying significant gold values along substantial drill hole widths. The zone comes to surface and represents excellent open-pit potential for a gold deposit of the high tonnage, low-grade type. The property is situated along the Ridout deformation zone, a 130-kilometer long structure that hosts past producers such as the Jerome, Tyrranite and Kenty Mines, as well as numerous gold showings. The area has received recent attention with the identification of thick intervals of gold mineralization by Trelawney Mining on its Chester Gold Project, located approximately 60 kilometres southeast along strike in the Swayze Belt . About Probe Mines: Probe Mines Limited is a well financed, Canadian base and precious metal exploration company with approximately $3.0MM in treasury and a portfolio of highly prospective mineral properties. In addition to Cree Lake, the Company is also drilling its Borden Lake project near Chapleau, Ontario. Probe also owns 875 claims covering approximately 14,000 hectares in the McFauld's Lake area, including a 100% interest in the Black Creek chromite deposit, owns a 45% interest in a joint venture property with Lake Shore Gold Corp, which surrounds its Timmins Mine project, and holds a 5% net smelter royalty on a portion of Agnico Eagle's Goldex Mine near Val d'Or, Quebec, which began production in 2008. The Company has only 37,668,415 shares issued and outstanding, which trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PRB. David Palmer, Ph.D., P.Geo., is the qualified person for all technical information in this release. Forward-Looking Statements This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements". These statements are based on information currently available to the Company and the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results relating to, among other things, results of exploration, project development, reclamation and capital costs of the Company's mineral properties, and the Company's financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with the activities of the Company; and other matters discussed in this news release. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Shares Issued: 37,668,415 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For more information, please contact Probe Mines Limited David Palmer President (416) 777-6703 or Probe Mines Limited Karen Willoughby Investor Relations (866) 936-6766 http://www.probemines.com/ Fancamp Exploration Ltd. TSX VENTURE: FNC RING OF FIRE CHIEFS INVITED TO JOIN CANADA CHROME BOARD Symbol on TSX Venture Exchange: KWG Shares issued and outstanding: 623,458,941 MONTREAL, Canada, Jan. 18 /CNW/ - KWG Resources Inc. (TSXV: KWG) has extended invitations to the Chiefs of five First Nations in the Ring of Fire area to join the Board of Directors of its subsidiary Canada Chrome Corporation ("CCC"). "Late last year we advised Chiefs Elijah Moonias, Cornelius Wabasse, Sonny Gagnon, Roy Moonias and Lewis Nate that there appeared to be technical and economic merit to proceeding with a feasibility study of the railroad for which we have staked a right-of-way and sampled soil profiles," said KWG President Frank Smeenk. "Should subsequent development ensue which physically affects their traditional lands, there must first be prior consultation and accommodation, as is well understood by all constituencies. The entire Matawa family of First Nations is enthusiastic to see these developments progress. To facilitate and expedite the process, we felt that the extensive consultation necessary could be most effectively undertaken by having the leading members of the five most directly impacted communities participate in the corporate planning from the outset. In this way those who are most affected by these hoped-for developments can become the proponents of them." Golder Associates were retained by CCC to conduct testing of the soil profiles from samples taken last winter at 1000-foot intervals along the length of the potential right-of-way. The voluminous data generated from these tests will be incorporated into a design and construction model being prepared by Krech Ojard & Associates, the railroad engineering firm retained by CCC. Estimates for embankment construction may then be combined with estimates for bridge construction to determine a potential total cost estimate and possible construction timetable in a preliminary feasibility study. Such a preliminary study would describe the economic parameters and environmental issues that must be considered in the consultation process. KWG also advises that its Board of Directors has awarded options to purchase 11 million treasury shares at $0.10 each under the provisions of the Company's Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan. Of the total awards, 2.5 million were allocated to employees and consultants of the Company and of its subsidiaries, 2.5 million to directors, 2.5 million to directors who are also officers, and 3.5 million to officers of the Company and of its subsidiaries. The options vest over a period of 18 months and are exercisable over a period of five years. The Company has also extended the completion of its previously announced private placement of flow-through shares to January 31, 2011.

Jan 17, 2011 09:37 ET

Fancamp Acquires Interest in Strategic Iron Properties in the Fermont Iron Ore District

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 17, 2011) - Fancamp Exploration Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:FNC): Fancamp Exploration Ltd. (the "Company") wishes to announce the acquisition of a 17.5% working interest in Champion Minerals Inc.'s newly acquired Black Dan and East Inlet iron properties, located in the Fermont Iron Ore District, Labrador Trough, Quebec.

These properties border on the Penquin Lake and Audrey-Ernie Lakes claims and provide further iron mineralization to the already significant iron portfolio.

Refer to the Champion website, in particular the news release of January 22, 2011, for further details – www.championminerals.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Peter H. Smith, PhD., P.Eng., President

S.E.C. Exemption: 12(g)3-2(b)