Cliffs Cutting Iron Production, Affecting 625 Jobs

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. says it plans to idle its Empire Mine in Michigan and to cut production at its Northshore Mining operations in Minnesota, affecting about 625 jobs.
    
In a statement Monday, Cliffs also says it plans to delay portions of its Bloom Lake mine expansion in Quebec.
    
The Cleveland-based company cites declining demand from U.S. steelmakers for iron ore.
    
Cliffs says it will idle two of the four production lines at Northshore Mining effective Jan. 5, affecting around 125 jobs. It also plans an extended summer shutdown at the Empire Mine, affecting about 500 employees.
    
Laurie Brias, presidents of global operations for Cliffs, says it's prudent and necessary to match production with market demand. She says the company will be ready to boost production if demand increases.

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