Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. announced the appointment of Steven A. Elmquist to the newly created position of Vice President and Chief Technical Officer. Effective Friday, Sep. 16, he has also been elected an officer of the corporation.

Elmquist, 55, has been employed by Cliffs since 1990 and has progressed through a number of technical and operating roles with increasing responsibility. Formerly Assistant General Manager at Cliffs' Hibbing and Northshore operations, Elmquist also served as General Manager of Cliffs' reduced iron operation in Trinidad. Most recently, he has been overseeing Cliffs' technical services function.

Commenting on the promotion, Joseph Carrabba, Cliffs' President and Chief Operating Officer, stated: "Steve's leadership and direction have improved the standing and effectiveness of the entire Cliffs Technical Group. As we strategically grow our company, we are ever cognizant of the critical role technology will play going forward. Steve's new role as the company's first Chief Technical Officer will help ensure that Cliffs continues to develop and utilize state-of-the-art technical solutions."

Mr. Elmquist earned his bachelor's degree in mineral engineering from the University of Minnesota and a master's degree in engineering management from the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

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.