Cleveland-Cliffs Inc announced that Joseph A. Carrabba has accepted the position of President and Chief Operating Officer.

Upon assuming his new role, Carrabba will be responsible for all operations of Cleveland-Cliffs, and for all operational support functions such as technical services and supply-chain management.

Mr. Carrabba, 52, joins Cleveland-Cliffs from Rio Tinto, a global mining company, where he served for 22 years in a variety of leadership capacities at locations around the globe. He was most recently President and Chief Operating Officer of Rio Tinto's Diavik Diamond Mines, Inc., in Canada's Northwest Territory.

Cleveland-Cliffs' Chairman and CEO John Brinzo said:"We feel extremely fortunate to have attracted a leader of Mr. Carrabba's caliber, and enthusiastically welcome him to the Cleveland-Cliffs team. Joe's vast experience in mining and mineral processing at locations world-wide, including Australia and Asia, aligns perfectly with our long-term strategic objective to extend our presence in the fastest growing iron ore markets in the world."

"Beyond his obvious operating experience," Brinzo continued, "Joe brings to Cliffs a wealth of knowledge regarding the commercial and distribution facets of the mining business. We look forward to his invaluable contributions as we pursue our goal of becoming a larger, international mining company."

Carrabba earned his Bachelor's Degree in Geology from Capital University and his MBA from Frostberg State University in Maryland.

Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc is the largest producer of iron ore pellets in North America, selling the majority of its pellets to integrated steel companies in the United States and Canada. Cleveland-Cliffs Inc operates a total of six iron ore mines located in Michigan, Minnesota and Eastern Canada. The company is majority owner of Portman Limited, the third-largest iron ore mining company in Australia, serving the Asian iron ore markets with direct-shipping fines and lump ore.