As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on JulyMarch 12, 2013

2021

Registration No. 333-

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form S-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION AK STEEL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

3312 3312
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

31-1401455 31-1267098

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

9227 Centre Pointe Drive

West Chester, Ohio 45069

(513) 425-5000

 

9227 Centre Pointe Drive

West Chester, Ohio 45069

(513) 425-5000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants’ principal executive offices) (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants’ principal executive offices)

David C. Horn


clf2019def14aprimarylogoa0b.jpg
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
1000
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)
34-1464672
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

200 Public Square
Suite 3300
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2315
Telephone: (216) 694-5700

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Keith A. Koci
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

AK Steel Holding Corporation

9227 Centre Pointe Drive

West Chester,Chief Financial Officer

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
200 Public Square, Suite 3300
Cleveland, Ohio 45069

(513) 425-5000

44114-2315

Telephone: (216) 694-5700
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)


Copies to:To

Joseph C. Alter:

Michael J. Solecki
Jones Day
901 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Phone: (216) 586-3939
Fax: (216) 579-0212
Assistant General Counsel—Corporate and Chief Compliance Officer

AK Steel Holding Corporation

9227 Centre Pointe Drive

West Chester, Ohio

(513) 425-5000

Copies to:

Todd R. Chandler

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

767 Fifth Avenue

New York, New York 10153

(212) 310-8000

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public:public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.Statement becomes effective.

If the securities being registered on this formForm are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.    ¨

If this formForm is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    
¨


If this formForm is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”,filer,” “accelerated filer”filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “smaller reporting“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filerxAccelerated filer¨

Non-accelerated filer¨

(Do not check if a

smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company¨
Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.    ☐
If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:
Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)    ☐
Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)    ☐

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Amount

to be

Registered

 

Proposed

Maximum

Offering Price

Per Unit(1)

 

Proposed

Maximum

Aggregate

Offering Price(1)

 

Amount of

Registration Fee

8.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2018

 $380,000,000 100% $380,000,000 $51,832

Guarantees of 8.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2018

    —(2)

 

 

Title of each class of securities to be registeredAmount to be registeredProposed maximum offering price per unit(1)Proposed maximum aggregate offering price(1)Amount of registration fee
7.00% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2027$73,298,000100%$73,298,000$7,996.82
Guarantees of 7.00% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2027
(2)
(1) Calculated in accordance with Rule 457(f) under the Securities Act of 1933 solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee.
(2) Pursuant to Rule 457(n) of the Securities Act of 1933, no separate fee is payable for the guarantees.
(1)Estimated solely for the purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(f)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(2)Pursuant to Rule 457(n) under the Securities Act, no separate registration fee is due for guarantees.

The Registrantsregistrant hereby amendamends this Registration Statementregistration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrantsregistrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statementregistration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statementthis registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.



The information in this prospectus
TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS
Exact Name of Registrant
as Specified in its Charter(1)
State of Incorporation or OrganizationPrimary Standard Industrial Classification Code NumberI.R.S. Employer Identification Number
Cannon Automotive Solutions – Bowling Green, Inc.Delaware331226-0766559
Cleveland-Cliffs Burns Harbor LLCDelaware331020-0653414
Cleveland-Cliffs Cleveland Works LLCDelaware331004-3634649
Cleveland-Cliffs Columbus LLCDelaware331001-0807137
Cleveland-Cliffs Investments Inc. (f/k/a AKS Investments, Inc.)Ohio331231-1283531
Cleveland-Cliffs Kote Inc.Delaware331036-3665216
Cleveland-Cliffs Kote L.P.Delaware331036-3665288
Cleveland-Cliffs Minorca Mine Inc.Delaware100036-2814042
Cleveland-Cliffs Monessen Coke LLCDelaware331225-1850170
Cleveland-Cliffs Plate LLCDelaware331020-0653500
Cleveland-Cliffs Railways Inc.Delaware331056-2348283
Cleveland-Cliffs Riverdale LLCDelaware331074-3062732
Cleveland-Cliffs South Chicago & Indiana Harbor Railway Inc.Delaware331004-3634638
Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation (f/k/a AK Steel Corporation)Delaware331231-1267098
Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Holding Corporation (f/k/a AK Steel Holding Corporation)Delaware331231-1401455
Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Holdings Inc.Ohio331285-4084783
Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLCDelaware331271-0871875
Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Management Inc. (f/k/a AH Management, Inc.)Delaware331251-0390893
Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Properties Inc. (f/k/a AK Steel Properties, Inc.)Delaware331251-0390894
Cleveland-Cliffs Steelton LLCDelaware331020-0653772
Cleveland-Cliffs Steelworks Railway Inc.Delaware331004-3634622
Cleveland-Cliffs Tek Inc.Delaware331036-3519946
Cleveland-Cliffs Tek Kote Acquisition CorporationOhio331085-4304182
Cleveland-Cliffs Tek L.P.Delaware331036-3525438
Cleveland-Cliffs Tubular Components LLC (f/k/a AK Tube LLC)Delaware331231-1283531
Cleveland-Cliffs Weirton LLCDelaware331056-2435202
Cliffs Mining CompanyDelaware100034-1120353
Cliffs Minnesota Mining CompanyDelaware100042-1609117
Cliffs TIOP Holding, LLCDelaware100047-2182060
Cliffs TIOP, Inc.Michigan100034-1371049
Cliffs TIOP II, LLCDelaware100061-1857848
Cliffs UTAC Holding LLCDelaware100026-2895214
Fleetwood Metal Industries, LLCDelaware331298-0508950
IronUnits LLCDelaware100034-1920747
Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad CompanyMichigan100038-6005761
Metallics Sales CompanyDelaware100084-2076079
Mid-Vol Coal Sales, Inc.West Virginia122055-0761501



Mountain State Carbon, LLCDelaware331231-1267098
Northshore Mining CompanyDelaware100084-1116857
PPHC Holdings, LLCDelaware331231-1283531
Precision Partners Holding CompanyDelaware331222-3639336
Silver Bay Power CompanyDelaware100084-1126359
SNA Carbon, LLCDelaware331231-1267098
The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron CompanyOhio100034-0677332
Tilden Mining Company L.C.Michigan100034-1804848
United Taconite LLCDelaware100042-1609118
(1) The address and phone number of each Registrant Guarantor is c/o Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., 200 Public Square, Suite 3300, Cleveland, Ohio 44114, (216) 694-5700.




Information contained herein is not complete and may be changed. We may not sellsubject to completion or amendment. A registration statement relating to these securities until the registration statementhas been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission isCommission. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This prospectus isshall not constitute an offer to sell these securities and it is not solicitingor the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state where thein which such offer, solicitation or sale is not permitted.

would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULYMARCH 12, 2013

PROSPECTUS

LOGO

AK Steel Corporation

OFFER TO EXCHANGE ALL OUTSTANDING AND UNREGISTERED

2021

$380,000,000 8.750%73,298,000
clf2019def14aprimarylogoa0b.jpg
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
Offer to Exchange
All of the Outstanding Restricted 7.00% Senior SecuredGuaranteed Notes due 2018

FOR NEWLY-ISSUED, REGISTERED

$380,000,000 8.750%2027

Issued on March 16, 2020
for
Newly Issued and Registered 7.00% Senior SecuredGuaranteed Notes due 2018

2027


On March 16, 2020, we issued $335,376,000 aggregate principal amount of restricted 7.00% senior guaranteed notes due 2027, which we refer to herein as the Original Notes. The Original Notes were issued in a private transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. As of March 12, 2021, there was $73,298,000 aggregate principal amount of Original Notes outstanding.
We are offering upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus, to exchange all of our outstanding 8.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2018, of which $350,000,000 inup to $73,298,000 aggregate principal amount were issued on November 20, 2012 (the “Original Issue Date”) in a private offering and $30,000,000 in aggregate principal amount were issued on June 24, 2013 (the “Add-On Issue Date”) in an add-on private offering, for ourof new registered 8.750% Senior Secured Notes7.00% senior guaranteed notes due 2018. In this document,2027, which we refer to our outstanding 8.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2018herein as the “original notes”Exchange Notes, for the outstanding Original Notes. We refer herein to the Original Notes and our new registered 8.750% Senior Securedthe Exchange Notes, due 2018collectively, as the “registered notes.” Any reference to “notes” in this prospectus refersNotes. We refer to the original notesoffer to exchange as the Exchange Offer.
The terms of the Exchange Notes will be substantially identical to the terms of the Original Notes, except that the Exchange Notes will be registered under the Securities Act and the registered notes, unlesstransfer restrictions and registration rights and related additional interest provisions applicable to the context requires a different interpretation.Original Notes will not apply to the Exchange Notes. The CUSIP numbers for the original notes issued on November 20, 2012 are U00974 AB8 and 001546 AQ3, and the CUSIP numbers for the original notes issued on June 24, 2013 are U00974 AC6 and 001546 AQ3. The notesExchange Notes will be fullypart of the same series as the Original Notes and unconditionally guaranteed by AK Steel Holding Corporation (“AK Holding”),will be issued under the parentsame indenture. The Exchange Notes will be exchanged for Original Notes in minimum denominations of AK Steel Corporation (“AK Steel”), on a senior unsecured basis$2,000 and are secured by first priority liens on AK Steel’s plant, property and equipment (other than certain excluded property).

MATERIAL TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER

integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer.

The exchange offer expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on    , 2013, unless extended.


You will receive an equal principal amountmay withdraw tenders of registered notes for all original notes that you validly tender and do not validly withdraw.

Tenders of original notes may be withdrawnOriginal Notes at any time prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offer.

The Exchange Offer expires at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on , 2021 unless extended, which we refer to as the Expiration Date.
We do not intend to list the Exchange Notes on any securities exchange offer.

There has beenor to seek approval through any automated quotation system, and no active public market for the original notes and we cannot assure you that any public market forExchange Notes is anticipated.


You should consider carefully the registered notes will develop.

The termsrisk factors beginning on page 18 of this prospectus before deciding whether to participate in the registered notes are substantially identical to the original notes, except for transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest payment provisions relating to the original notes.

Exchange Offer.

If you fail to tender your original notes for the registered notes, you will continue to hold unregistered securities and it may be difficult for you to transfer them.

The only conditions to completing the exchange offer are that the exchange offer does not violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff ofNeither the Securities and Exchange Commission, (the “SEC”); no actionwhich we refer to herein as the SEC, nor any state securities commission has approved or proceeding shalldisapproved of the Exchange Notes or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.


The date of this prospectus is                         , 2021.



Rather than repeat certain information in this prospectus that we have been instituted or threatenedalready included in any court or by any governmental agency which might materially impair our ability to proceedreports filed with the exchange offer; all governmental approvals shall have been obtained, which approvals we deem necessary for the consummationSEC, this prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about us that is not included in or delivered with this prospectus. We will provide this information to you at no charge upon written or oral request directed to: Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., 200 Public Square, Suite 3300, Cleveland, Ohio, 44114-2315, Attention: Investor Relations; Telephone: (216) 694-5700. In order to receive timely delivery of any requested documents in advance of the Expiration Date, you should make your request no later than, 2021, which is five full business days before you must make a decision regarding the Exchange Offer.

Table of Contents
Page
NOTICE TO INVESTORS
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
INFORMATION WE INCORPORATE BY REFERENCE
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
SUMMARY
RISK FACTORS
USE OF PROCEEDS
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
CERTAIN ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
LEGAL MATTERS
EXPERTS


i


NOTICE TO INVESTORS
This prospectus may only be used where it is legal to make the Exchange Offer and by a broker-dealer for resales of Exchange Notes acquired in the Exchange Offer where it is legal to do so.
This prospectus and the information incorporated by reference summarize documents and other information in a manner we believe to be accurate, but we refer you to the actual documents for a more complete understanding of the information we discuss in this prospectus and the information incorporated by reference. In deciding to exchange offer; there shall not have been any material change, or development involving a prospective material change, inyour Original Notes, you must rely on your own examination of such documents, our business and the terms of the Exchange Offer and the Exchange Notes, including the merits and risks involved.
We make no representation to you that the Exchange Notes will be a legal investment for you. You should not consider any information in this prospectus to be legal, business or financial affairs which, in our reasonable judgment, would materially impair our ability to consummate the exchange offer;tax advice. You should consult your own attorney, business advisor and that there shall not have been proposed, adopted or enacted any law, statute, rule or regulation which, in our reasonable judgment, would materially impair our ability to consummate the exchange offer or have a material adverse effect on us if the exchange offer was consummated.

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the exchange offer.

RESULTS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER

The registered notes may be soldtax advisor for legal, business and tax advice regarding an investment in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions or through a combinationExchange Notes. Neither the delivery of such methods. We do not planthe prospectus nor any exchange made pursuant to list the original notes or registered notes on a national market.

All outstanding original notes not tendered will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transferthis prospectus implies that any information set forth in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is correct as of any date after the indenture governing the original notes. In general, outstanding original notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under the Securities Actdate of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

this prospectus.

Other than in connection with the exchange offer, we do not plan to register the outstanding original notes under the Securities Act.

Each broker-dealer that receives registered notesExchange Notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offerExchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the registered notes.Exchange Notes. The letter of transmittal accompanying this prospectus states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of registered notesExchange Notes received in exchange for original notesOriginal Notes where the original notesOriginal Notes were acquired by thatsuch broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of 180 days afterending on the expiration date of the exchange offer,on which a broker-dealer is no longer required to deliver a prospectus in connection with market-making or other trading activities, we will make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale.these resales. See “Plan of Distribution.”

CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE “RISK FACTORS” BEGINNING ON PAGE 16 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.

NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

The date of

Except as otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus isto the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” or “Cliffs” or other similar terms mean Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including (i) Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Holding Corporation (f/k/a AK Steel Holding Corporation), 2013


TABLE OF CONTENTS

or AK Steel, and (ii) entities acquired in connection with the AM USA Transaction (as defined below), which include substantially all of the operations of the former ArcelorMittal USA LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its subsidiaries and certain affiliates. In connection with the AM USA Transaction, Cliffs also acquired I/N Kote L.P., or I/N Kote, and I/N Tek L.P., or I/N Tek, which are former joint ventures between subsidiaries of the former ArcelorMittal USA LLC and Nippon Steel Corporation. We refer to the former ArcelorMittal USA LLC, its subsidiaries and certain of its affiliates, I/N Kote and I/N Tek, collectively, as ArcelorMittal USA. As used in this prospectus, the term “long ton” means a long ton (equal to 2,240 pounds) and the term “net ton” means a net ton (equal to 2,000 pounds).
PAGE

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

S-i

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

S-i

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

S-ii

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

S-1

RISK FACTORS

S-16

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

S-30

THE EXCHANGE OFFER

S-31

USE OF PROCEEDS

S-40

DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS

S-41

DESCRIPTION OF THE REGISTERED NOTES

S-44

U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

S-71

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

S-72

LEGAL MATTERS

S-73

EXPERTS

S-73


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

AK Holding is

We are subject to the informational reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”)or the Exchange Act. We file annual, quarterly and in accordance with these requirements, AK Holding files reports and other information relating to its business, financial condition and other matters with the SEC. AK Holding is required to disclose in such reports certain information, as of particular dates, concerning its operating results and financial condition, officers and directors, principal holders of shares, any material interests of such persons in transactions with us and other matters. We also have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 under the Securities Act with respect to the registered notes. This prospectus, which is a part of the registration statement, omits certain information included in the registration statement and in its exhibits. For further information relating to us and the notes, we refer you to the registration statement and its exhibits. The descriptions of each contract and document contained in this prospectus are summaries and qualified in their entirety by reference to the copy of that contract or document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. Our registration statement, including its exhibits, and AK Holding’s filedcurrent reports, proxy statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the public reference room maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of such site is: www.sec.gov. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning AK Holding’s business may also be inspectedOur SEC filings are available over the Internet at the offices of the New York Stock ExchangeSEC’s website at 20 Broad Street, New York, NY 10005.

Our Internet website is www.aksteel.com. www.sec.gov.

We make available, free of charge, on our website AK Holding’s Annual Reportsat www.clevelandcliffs.com, our annual reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reportsquarterly reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reportscurrent reports on Form 8-K, reports filed pursuant to Section 16proxy statements and amendments to those reports and statements as soon as reasonably practicable after such materialsthey are electronically filed or furnished to with
ii


the SEC. Other than any documents expressly incorporated by reference, theThe information contained on or accessible through our website and any other website that is referred to in this prospectus is not part of this prospectus, other than the documents that we file with the SEC that are specifically incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS


INFORMATION WE INCORPORATE BY REFERENCE

The

We are incorporating by reference certain information that we file with the SEC, allows us to “incorporate by reference” information intowhich means:
incorporated documents are considered part of this prospectus, which means that prospectus;
we can disclose important information to you by referring you to that information. We hereby “incorporate by reference” the documents listed below. The those documents; and
information that we file later with the SEC after the date of this prospectus will automatically update and in some cases supersede the information contained in this prospectus and incorporated filings.
We incorporate by reference the documents listed below.

below that we filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act:

AK Holding’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, including portions of AK Holding’s Schedule 14A filed2020 (filed with the SEC on April 12, 2013, incorporated by reference therein;

February 26, 2021); and

AK Holding’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013;

AK Holding’s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 8, 2013, January 25, 2013, January 30, 2013, February 19, 2013, February 28, 2013,December 9, 2020 (as to Items 1.01, 2.01, 2.03, 3.02, 3.03, 5.03 and 9.01(a) and (b) and related exhibits only), as amended by an amendmentAmendment No. 1 to Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on February 28, 2013, May 20, 2013 (only with respect to Item 8.01)8, 2021 (excluding Exhibit 99.7), May 31, 2013, June 19, 2013 (only with respect to Item 8.01February 9, 2021, February 11, 2021, February 17, 2021 and March 12, 2021.

We also incorporate by reference each of the related exhibit 99.1) and June 24, 2013; and

future filings made by AK Holding and AK Steeldocuments that we file with the SEC under SectionsSection 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on or after the date of this prospectus and beforeuntil the terminationcompletion of this offering; provided thatthe Exchange Offer. We do not and will not, however, incorporate by reference in this prospectus willany documents or portions thereof that are not incorporatedeemed “filed” with the SEC, including any information that we may furnishfurnished pursuant to the SEC under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 unless specifically provided in suchof our Current Reports on Form 8-K.

Any statement contained in this prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes8-K after the date of this prospectus unless, and except to the

S-i


extent, that a statement containedspecified in this prospectus or any other subsequently filed document that is deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or supersedes the statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

Upon your oral or written request, wesuch Current Reports.

We will provide you with a copy of any of these filings (other than an exhibit to these filings, unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into the filing requested) at no cost. Requests should be directedcost, if you submit a request to Secretary, AK Steel Holding Corporation, 9227 Centre Pointe Drive, West Chester,us by writing or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
200 Public Square, Suite 3300
Cleveland, Ohio 45069, Telephone No. (513) 425-5000.

To obtain timely delivery, you must request44114

Attention: Investor Relations
Telephone: 1-216-694-5700

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
We believe that the information no later than five (5) business days beforefinancial statements and the expiration dateother financial data included in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus have been prepared in a manner that complies, in all material respects, with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP, and the regulations published by the SEC and are consistent with current practice with the exception of the presentation of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, as adjusted, with respect to each of Cliffs; the former ArcelorMittal USA LLC, its subsidiaries and certain affiliates; I/N Kote; and I/N Tek.
iii


Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and is not calculated in the same manner by all companies or the entities presented herein, and, accordingly, is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies and may not be an appropriate measure for comparing performance relative to other companies. While we believe that the presentation of adjusted EBITDA will (1) enhance an investor’s understanding of our operating performance and how it compares to other producers and (2) provide a more accurate view of the cash outflows related to the sale of steel and iron ore, the use of the non-GAAP financial measures as analytical tools has limitations and you should not consider them in isolation, or as substitutes for an analysis of our results of operations as reported in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance or condition under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to net income, operating income, or any other financial performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP.
Cliffs
Cliffs evaluates performance based on adjusted EBITDA, which is defined as EBITDA, excluding certain items such as EBITDA of noncontrolling interest, impacts of discontinued operations, extinguishment of debt, severance, acquisition-related costs, amortization of inventory step-up, foreign exchange offer.

NOTICE TO NEW HAMPSHIRE RESIDENTS

NEITHER THE FACT THAT A REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AN APPLICATION FOR A LICENSE HAS BEEN FILED UNDER RSA 421-B WITH THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE NOR THE FACT THAT A SECURITY IS EFFECTIVELY REGISTERED OR A PERSON IS LICENSED IN THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE CONSTITUTES A FINDING BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE THAT ANY DOCUMENT FILED UNDER RSA 421-B IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING. NEITHER ANY SUCH FACT NOR THE FACT THAT AN EXEMPTION OR EXCEPTION IS AVAILABLE FOR A SECURITY OR A TRANSACTION MEANS THAT THE SECRETARY OF STATE HAS PASSED IN ANY WAY UPON THE MERITS OR QUALIFICATIONS OF, OR RECOMMENDED OR GIVEN APPROVAL TO, ANY PERSON, SECURITY OR TRANSACTION. IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE OR CAUSE TO BE MADE TO ANY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER, CUSTOMER OR CLIENT ANY REPRESENTATION INCONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

We have made forward-lookingremeasurement, and impairment of other long-lived assets, or Cliffs Adjusted EBITDA.

This measure is used by management, investors, lenders and other external users of our financial statements to assess our operating performance and to compare operating performance to other companies in the steel and iron ore industries, although it is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. In addition, management believes Cliffs Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure to assess the earnings power of the business without the impact of capital structure and can be used to assess our ability to service debt and fund future capital expenditures in the business.
For additional information about Cliffs Adjusted EBITDA, including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see the section titled “Summary—Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Cliffs” of this prospectus.
ArcelorMittal USA LLC and Affiliates, I/N Kote and I/N Tek
Adjusted EBITDA is presented in this prospectus with respect to each of the former ArcelorMittal USA LLC, its subsidiaries and certain affiliates; I/N Kote; and I/N Tek and is defined as EBITDA, excluding certain items such as the effect of derivative timing adjustments, Industrial Franchise Agreement (as defined herein) fee and miscellaneous corporate chargebacks, asset impairments and impacts of onerous contracts, as applicable, or ArcelorMittal USA Adjusted EBITDA Measures.
Management believes that reporting the ArcelorMittal USA Adjusted EBITDA Measures more clearly reflects these entities’ respective operating results for the periods presented and provides investors with a better understanding of their respective overall financial performance.
For additional information about the ArcelorMittal USA Adjusted EBITDA Measures, including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see the sections titled “Summary��Summary Historical Financial Data of ArcelorMittal USA LLC and Affiliates,” “Summary—Summary Historical Financial Data of I/N Kote” and “Summary—Summary Historical Financial Data of I/N Tek” of this prospectus.
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Data
Adjusted EBITDA is presented in this prospectus with respect to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements and is defined as EBITDA, excluding certain items such as the effects of the EBITDA of noncontrolling interests, charges associated with asset impairments, acquisition-related costs, inventory step-up, impact of discontinued operations, impact of extinguishment of debt,
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severance costs, impact of onerous contracts and certain expected synergies, or Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA.
This measure is used by management, investors, lenders and other external users of our financial statements to assess our operating performance and to compare operating performance to other companies in the steel industry, although it is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. In addition, management believes Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure to assess the earnings power of the business without the impact of capital structure and can be used to assess our ability to service debt and fund future capital expenditures in the business.
For additional information about Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA, including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see the section titled “Summary—Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Data” of this prospectus.

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus, including the documents that are incorporated by reference, therein that are based on our management’s beliefscontains, and assumptions and on information available to our management at the time such statements were made. Forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, competitive position, potential growth opportunities, potential operating performance improvements, the effects of competition and the effects of future legislation or regulations. Forward-looking statements include allany prospectus supplement may contain, statements that are not historical facts and canconstitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of predictive, future-tense or forward-looking terminology, such as the words“anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “build,” “continue,” “create,” “design,” “estimate,” “expect,” “plan,“focus,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “imply,” “intend,” “anticipate,“look,“estimate,“objective,” “opportunity,” “outlook,” “plan,” “position,” “potential,” “predict,” “potential,“project,“continue,“prospective,” “pursue,” “seek,” “strategy,” “target,” “work,” “could,” “may,” “should”“should,” “will,” “would” or the negative of thesesuch terms or other variations thereof and words and terms of similar expressions.

Forward-lookingsubstance used in connection with any discussion of future plans, actions or events identify forward-looking statements with respect to our business, strategy and plans, expectations relating to the Acquisitions (as defined herein) and future financial condition and performance. These statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus or the date of the document incorporated by reference, as applicable, and we undertake no ongoing obligation, other than that imposed by law, to update these statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference, and relate to, among other things, our intent, belief or current expectations of our directors or our officers with respect to: our future financial condition; results of operations or prospects; estimates of our economic mineral reserves; our business and growth strategies; and our financing plans and forecasts. You are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve significant risks and uncertainties, and assumptions. Actualthat actual results may differ materially from those expressedcontained in our forward-looking statements. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially fromor implied by the results contemplated by such forward-looking statements include:

as a result of various factors, some of which are unknown, including, without limitation:

reduced sellingdisruptions to our operations relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the heightened risk that a significant portion of our workforce or on-site contractors may suffer illness or otherwise be unable to perform their ordinary work functions;

continued volatility of steel and iron ore market prices, which directly and shipmentsindirectly impact the prices of the products that we sell to our customers;
uncertainties associated with athe highly competitive and cyclical steel industry and weakened economies;

changesour reliance on the demand for steel from the automotive industry, which has been experiencing a trend toward light weighting that could result in lower steel volumes being consumed;

potential weaknesses and uncertainties in global economic conditions, excess global steelmaking capacity, oversupply of iron ore, prevalence of steel imports and reduced market demand, including as a result of the cost of raw materials and energy;

COVID-19 pandemic;

our significant amount of debt and other obligations;

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severe financial hardship, bankruptcy, temporary or bankruptcypermanent shutdowns or operational challenges, due to the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, of one or more of our major customers;

customers, including customers in the automotive market, key suppliers or contractors, which, among other adverse effects, could lead to reduced demand in key product markets;

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competitive pressure fromfor our products, increased global steel productiondifficulty collecting receivables, and imports;

customers and/or suppliers asserting force majeure or other reasons for not performing their contractual obligations to us;

excess inventory of raw materials;

issuesrisks related to U.S. government actions with respect to our supplySection 232 of raw materials,the Trade Expansion Act (as amended by the Trade Act of 1974), or Section 232, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, and/or other trade agreements, tariffs, treaties or policies, as well as the uncertainty of obtaining and maintaining effective antidumping and countervailing duty orders to counteract the harmful effects of unfairly traded imports;

impacts of existing and increasing governmental regulation, including disruptions or quality issues;

disruptions to production or reduced production levels;

our healthcareclimate change and pension obligationsother environmental regulation that may be proposed under the Biden Administration, and related lawscosts and regulations, whichliabilities, including failure to receive or maintain required operating and environmental permits, approvals, modifications or other authorizations of, or from, any governmental or regulatory authority and costs related to implementing improvements to ensure compliance with regulatory changes, including potential financial assurance requirements;

potential impacts to the environment or exposure to hazardous substances resulting from our operations;
our ability to maintain adequate liquidity, our level of indebtedness and the availability of capital could includelimit cash flow necessary to fund working capital, planned capital expenditures, acquisitions, and other general corporate purposes or ongoing needs of our business;
adverse changes in credit ratings, interest rates, foreign currency rates and tax laws;
limitations on our ability to realize some or all of our deferred tax assets, including our net operating loss carryforwards, or NOLs;
our ability to realize the recognitionanticipated synergies and benefits of a corridor chargethe Acquisitions and to successfully integrate the businesses of AK Steel and ArcelorMittal USA into our existing businesses, including uncertainties associated with respect tomaintaining relationships with customers, vendors and employees;
additional debt we assumed, incurred or issued in connection with the Acquisitions, as well as additional debt we incurred in connection with enhancing our liquidity during the COVID-19 pandemic, may negatively impact our credit profile and limit our financial flexibility;
known and unknown liabilities we assumed in connection with the Acquisitions, including significant environmental, pension and other postretirement benefit plans;

benefits, or OPEB, obligations;

notthe ability of our customers, joint venture partners and third-party service providers to meet their obligations to us on a timely reaching new labor agreements;

basis or at all;

major litigation, arbitrations, environmental issuessupply chain disruptions or changes in the cost or quality of energy sources or critical raw materials and supplies, including iron ore, industrial gases, graphite electrodes, scrap, chrome, zinc, coke and coal;

liabilities and costs arising in connection with any business decisions to temporarily idle or permanently close a mine or production facility, which could adversely impact the carrying value of associated assets and give rise to impairment charges or closure and reclamation obligations, as well as uncertainties associated with restarting any previously idled mine or production facility;
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problems or disruptions associated with transporting products to our customers, moving products internally among our facilities or suppliers transporting raw materials to us;
uncertainties associated with natural or human-caused disasters, adverse weather conditions, unanticipated geological conditions, critical equipment failures, infectious disease outbreaks, tailings dam failures and other contingencies;

unexpected events;

our level of self-insurance and our ability to obtain sufficient third-party insurance to adequately cover potential adverse events and business risks;

disruptions in, or failures of, our information technology, or IT, systems, including those related to cybersecurity;
our ability to successfully identify and consummate any strategic investments or development projects, cost-effectively achieve planned production rates or levels, and diversify our product mix and add new customers;
our actual economic iron ore and coal reserves or reductions in current mineral estimates, including whether we are able to replace depleted reserves with additional mineral bodies to support the long-term viability of our operations;
the outcome of any contractual disputes with our customers, joint venture partners, lessors, or significant energy, raw material or service providers, or any other litigation or arbitration;
our ability to maintain our social license to operate with our stakeholders, including by fostering a strong reputation and consistent operational and safety track record;
our ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations with unions and employees;
availability of workers to fill critical operational positions and potential labor shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as our ability to attract, hire, develop and retain key personnel, including within the acquired AK Steel and ArcelorMittal USA businesses;
unanticipated or higher costs associated with environmental compliance;

regulatory compliancepension and changes;

climate change and greenhouse gas emission limitations and regulations;

financial, credit, capital or banking markets;

our use of derivative contracts to hedge commodity pricing volatility;

OPEB obligations resulting from changes in the value of plan assets or contribution increases required for unfunded obligations;

potential significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our net deferred tax assets;

internal control over financial reporting; and

inability to fully realize benefits of long-term cost savings and margin enhancement initiatives;

lower quantities or quality of estimated coal reserves of AK Coal Resources, Inc. (“AK Coal”);

increased governmental regulation of mining activities;

inability to hire or retain skilled labor and experienced manufacturing and mining managers; and

IT security threats and sophisticated computer crime.

The risk factors discussed under “Risk Factors”other risks described in this prospectus, under “Item 1A—Risk Factors” in AK Holding’sour Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as well as2020, and in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus.

These factors and the other risks and uncertaintiesrisk factors described in this prospectus, including the other documents incorporated by reference, into this prospectus,are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause ouractual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. There mayOther unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm our results. Consequently, there can be other risks andno assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us. Given these uncertainties, that weprospective investors are unablecautioned not to predict at this time or that we currently do not expect to have a material adverse effectplace undue reliance on our business. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update oursuch forward-looking statements other than as required by law.

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statements.


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PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY

This summary doeshighlights information about us, the Exchange Offer and the Exchange Notes. This summary is not includecomplete and may not contain all of the information that you should consider before investingprior to deciding whether to participate in the notes.Exchange Offer. For a more complete understanding of the Company and the notes,us, we urgeencourage you to carefully read this prospectus, andincluding the information incorporated by reference hereininto this prospectus and therein in its entirety, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors,” “Forward-Looking Statements,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and ourother documents to which we have expressly referred you. In particular, we encourage you to read the historical financial statements, and the related notes. Unless otherwise stated,notes, incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Investing in the Exchange Notes involves significant risks, as described in the “Risk Factors” section.
Our Company
Cliffs is the largest flat-rolled steel producer in North America. Founded in 1847 as a mine operator, we are also the largest supplier of iron ore pellets in North America. In 2020, we acquired two major steelmakers, AK Steel and ArcelorMittal USA, vertically integrating our legacy iron ore business with quality-focused steel production and emphasis on the automotive end market. Our fully integrated portfolio includes custom-made pellets and hot briquetted iron; flat-rolled carbon steel, stainless, electrical, plate, tinplate and long steel products; as well as carbon and stainless steel tubing, hot and cold stamping and tooling. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, we employ approximately 25,000 people across our mining, steel and downstream manufacturing operations in the United States and Canada.
On March 13, 2020, we completed the acquisition of AK Steel, or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to “we,” “us,” “our” and “the Company” are to AK Holding and its consolidated subsidiaries, including AK Steel. Unless otherwise indicated, industry data contained in this prospectus are derived from publicly available sources, including industry trade journals and SEC filings, which we have not independently verified.

Business Overview

We are an integratedSteel Merger, a leading producer of flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steels and tubular products, with ninesteel products. These operations consist primarily of seven steelmaking and finishing plants, two cokemaking operations, three tube manufacturing plants and tubular production facilities locatedten tooling and stamping operations. The businesses of Cleveland-Cliffs Tubular Components LLC (f/k/a AK Tube LLC) and PPHC Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries acquired in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania. We produce flat-rolled value-added carbon steels, including premium-quality coated, cold-rolled and hot-rolled carbon steel products, and specialty stainless and electrical steels that are sold in sheet and strip form, as well asthe AK Steel Merger provide customer solutions with carbon and stainless steel that is finished into welded steel tubing. We sell thesetubing products, die design and tooling, and hot- and cold-stamped components.

On December 9, 2020, we completed the acquisition of ArcelorMittal USA pursuant to the automotive, infrastructure and manufacturing, and distributors and converters markets. Our carbon steel products are sold primarily to the automotive industry, to manufacturers of electrical transmission, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and appliances, and to distributors, service centers and converters who may further process our products prior to reselling them. Our stainless steel products are sold primarily to customers in the automotive industry, as well as to manufacturers of food handling, chemical processing, pollution control and medical and health equipment, and to distributors and service centers. Our electrical steels, which are iron-silicon alloys with unique magnetic properties, are sold primarily to manufacturers of power transmission and distribution transformers. Our tubular products business line, known as AK Tube, consists of finished flat-rolled carbon and stainless steel that is welded into tubing, which is used primarily in the automotive, large truck, industrial and construction markets. In addition, our operations include European trading companies which buy and sell steel and steel products and other materials.

We have the capacity to ship approximately 6.5 million tons of steel products annually, and for the year ended December 31, 2012, we shipped approximately 5.4 million tons of steel products. In eachterms of the three months ended March 31, 2013Transaction Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2020, between Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and 2012, we shipped approximately 1.3 million tons of steel products. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we generated revenue and net income (loss) attributable to AK Holding of $5.9 billion and $(1,027.3) million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, we generated revenue and net income (loss) attributable to AK Holding of $1.4 billion and $(9.9) million, respectively.

During 2011, we entered into a joint venture (“Magnetation”) whereby we acquired a 49.9% equity interest in Magnetation LLC,ArcelorMittal S.A., a company headquartered in Minnesota that produces iron ore concentrate from previously-mined ore reserves. In addition, we purchased a private company headquartered in Pennsylvania that we renamed AK Coal, which controls and is developing metallurgical coal reserves. These investments will supply approximately 50% of our annual iron ore and coal needs and are intended to provide a financial hedge against global market price increases and to enable us to acquire key raw materials at a substantial discount to the market price. Although the full benefit of these investments will likely not be realized until 2015 or later, we have made significant progress at Magnetation and AK Coal in 2013.

For additional information regarding our customers, markets, properties, and raw material needs, please refer to AK Holding’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, which are incorporated by reference herein.

Additional Information

AK Holding and AK Steel are incorporatedorganized under the laws of Luxembourg, or ArcelorMittal, and the former ultimate parent company of ArcelorMittal USA, and the associated ABL Amendment (as defined below), together, the AM USA Transaction. These operations include six steelmaking facilities, eight finishing facilities, two iron ore mining and pelletizing operations, one coal mining complex and three cokemaking operations. These assets build upon our existing high-end steelmaking and raw material capabilities, and also open up new markets to us. The combination provides us additional scale and technical capabilities necessary in a competitive and increasingly quality-focused marketplace.

We refer to the AK Steel Merger and AM USA Transaction, together, as the “Acquisitions.”
Recent Developments
On February 11, 2021, we sold 20 million of our common shares and the indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of ArcelorMittal to which approximately 78 million common shares were issued as part of the consideration paid by us in connection with the closing of the AM USA Transaction, as a selling shareholder, sold 40 million common shares, in each case at a price per share to the underwriter of $16.12, in an underwritten public offering, or the Equity Offering. We did not receive any proceeds from the sale of the common shares by the selling shareholder in the Equity Offering. On March 11, 2021, we used the net proceeds to us from the Equity Offering, plus cash on hand, to redeem $322 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 9.875% senior secured notes due 2025, or the 9.875% 2025 Senior Secured Notes.
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On February 17, 2021, we issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.625% senior guaranteed notes due 2029, or the 4.625% 2029 Senior Notes, and $500 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.875% senior guaranteed notes due 2031, or the 4.875% 2031 Senior Notes, in an offering that was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, or the Notes Offering. On March 12, 2021, we used a portion of the net proceeds from the Notes Offering to redeem all of the outstanding 4.875% senior secured notes due 2024, or the 4.875% 2024 Senior Secured Notes, and 6.375% senior guaranteed notes due 2025, or the 6.375% 2025 Senior Notes, issued by Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and all of the outstanding 7.625% senior notes due 2021, or the 7.625% 2021 AK Senior Notes, 7.50% senior notes due 2023, or the 7.50% 2023 AK Senior Notes, and 6.375% senior notes due 2025, or the 6.375% 2025 AK Senior Notes, issued by AK Steel Corporation (n/k/a Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation), and pay fees and expenses in connection with such redemptions. We intend to use the remaining net proceeds from the Notes Offering to reduce borrowings under our ABL Facility (as defined herein).
We refer to the Equity Offering, the use of the net proceeds to us from the Equity Offering, plus cash on hand, to redeem $322 million aggregate principal amount of our 9.875% Senior Secured Notes on March 11, 2021, the Notes Offering and the use of the net proceeds from the Notes Offering to redeem all of the outstanding 4.875% 2024 Senior Secured Notes, 6.375% 2025 Senior Notes, 7.625% 2021 AK Senior Notes, 7.50% 2023 AK Senior Notes and 6.375% 2025 AK Senior Notes on March 12, 2021, and pay fees and expenses in connection with such redemptions, and reduce borrowings under our ABL Facility, collectively, as the “February 2021 Financing Transactions.”

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Our Structure
The following diagram illustrates Cliffs’ organizational structure as of the date of this prospectus. This diagram is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not show all legal entities or obligations of such entities.
orgchart1.jpg

(1)    Issuer of the existing secured and unsecured senior notes issued by Cliffs, including the Original Notes, borrower under the ABL Facility and future issuer of the Exchange Notes. Cliffs’ 6.25% senior notes due 2040, or the 6.25% 2040 Senior Notes, and 1.50% convertible senior notes due 2025, or the 1.50% 2025 Convertible Senior Notes, are unsecured and are not guaranteed by any of Cliffs’ subsidiaries.
    Cliffs’ 5.75% senior notes due 2025, or the 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes, the 9.875% 2025 Senior Secured Notes, Cliffs’ 6.75% senior secured notes due 2026, or the 6.75% 2026 Senior Secured Notes, Cliffs’ 5.875% senior guaranteed notes due 2027, or the 5.875% 2027 Senior Notes, the 4.625% 2029 Senior Notes, the 4.875% 2031 Senior Notes and the Original Notes are, and the Exchange Notes will be, guaranteed on a senior basis by each of Cliffs’ material direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. The ABL Facility is guaranteed by Cliffs’ material direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. See “Description of Other Indebtedness.”
(2)    AK Steel and the following subsidiaries of AK Steel are guarantors of the 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes, the 9.875% 2025 Senior Secured Notes, the 6.75% 2026 Senior Secured Notes, the 5.875% 2027 Senior Notes, the 4.625% 2029 Senior Notes, the 4.875% 2031 Senior Notes, the Original Notes and the ABL Facility and will be guarantors of the Exchange Notes: Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation (f/k/a AK Steel Corporation), Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Management Inc. (f/k/a AH Management, Inc.), Cleveland-Cliffs Investments Inc. (f/k/a AKS Investments, Inc.), Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Properties Inc. (f/k/a AK Steel Properties, Inc.), Cleveland-Cliffs Tubular Components LLC (f/k/a AK Tube LLC), Mountain State Carbon, LLC, PPHC Holdings, LLC, SNA Carbon, LLC, Cannon Automotive Solutions – Bowling Green, Inc., Fleetwood Metal Industries, LLC and Precision Partners Holding Company.
(3)    Issuer of Delaware. Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation’s (f/k/a AK Steel Corporation) 7.00% senior notes due 2027, or the 7.00% 2027 AK Senior Notes, and guarantor of the 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes, the 9.875% 2025 Senior Secured Notes, the 6.75% 2026 Senior Secured Notes, the 5.875% 2027
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Senior Notes, the 4.625% 2029 Senior Notes, the 4.875% 2031 Senior Notes, the Original Notes and the ABL Facility and will be a guarantor of the Exchange Notes.
(4)    Cliffs’ foreign subsidiaries do not guarantee any of Cliffs’ existing notes, including the Original Notes, or the ABL Facility and will not guarantee the Exchange Notes. Cliffs’ main holding company for these foreign subsidiaries, Cleveland-Cliffs International Holding Company, will also not provide a guarantee so long as substantially all of its assets consist of equity interests in one or more foreign subsidiaries. Also, any pledge of Cleveland-Cliffs International Holding Company voting stock will be limited to 65% of the voting equity interests in Cleveland-Cliffs International Holding Company.
(5)    The following subsidiaries of Cliffs are guarantors of the 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes, the 9.875% 2025 Senior Secured Notes, the 6.75% 2026 Senior Secured Notes, the 5.875% 2027 Senior Notes, the 4.625% 2029 Senior Notes, the 4.875% 2031 Senior Notes, the Original Notes and the ABL Facility and will be guarantors of the Exchange Notes: Cliffs Mining Company, Cliffs Minnesota Mining Company, Cliffs TIOP Holding, LLC, Cliffs TIOP, Inc., Cliffs TIOP II, LLC, Cliffs UTAC Holding LLC, IronUnits LLC, Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad Company, Metallics Sales Company, Northshore Mining Company, Silver Bay Power Company, The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company, Tilden Mining Company L.C. and United Taconite LLC. Each of the foregoing subsidiaries of Cliffs are included in Cliffs’ historical consolidated financial data for all periods presented within this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein.
(6)    Immaterial subsidiaries are limited to Cliffs’ direct and indirect subsidiaries that do not have consolidated total assets or consolidated total revenues in excess of 3.0% (5.0% with respect to the 4.625% 2029 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2031 Senior Notes) of the consolidated total assets or consolidated total revenues of Cliffs and its subsidiaries as of the most recent balance sheet date or for the most recent four-quarter period, respectively, provided that all immaterial subsidiaries taken together may not have consolidated total assets or consolidated total revenues in excess of 7.5% (10.0% with respect to the 4.625% 2029 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2031 Senior Notes) of the consolidated total assets or consolidated total revenues, respectively, of Cliffs and its subsidiaries. Immaterial subsidiaries do not guarantee any of Cliffs’ existing notes, including the Original Notes, or the ABL Facility and will not guarantee the Exchange Notes.
(7)    Other non-guarantor subsidiaries are limited to (a) Cliffs’ non-wholly owned subsidiaries to the extent the organizational documents (e.g., joint venture or shareholder agreements) of such subsidiaries prohibit such guarantee and (b) Cliffs’ indirect subsidiary, Wabush Iron Co. Limited.
(8)    Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Holdings Inc., which was formed in connection with the AM USA Transaction to be Cliffs’ main holding company for the entities that compose ArcelorMittal USA, and the following subsidiaries of Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Holdings Inc. are guarantors of the 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes, the 9.875% 2025 Senior Secured Notes, the 6.75% 2026 Senior Secured Notes, the 5.875% 2027 Senior Notes, the 4.625% 2029 Senior Notes, the 4.875% 2031 Senior Notes, the Original Notes and the ABL Facility and will be guarantors of the Exchange Notes: Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC (f/k/a ArcelorMittal USA LLC), Cleveland-Cliffs Burns Harbor LLC (f/k/a ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor LLC), Cleveland-Cliffs Cleveland Works LLC (f/k/a ArcelorMittal Cleveland LLC), Cleveland-Cliffs Columbus LLC (f/k/a ArcelorMittal Columbus LLC), Cleveland-Cliffs Kote Inc. (f/k/a ArcelorMittal Kote Inc.), Cleveland-Cliffs Kote L.P. (f/k/a I/N Kote L.P.), Cleveland-Cliffs Minorca Mine Inc. (f/k/a ArcelorMittal Minorca Mine Inc.), Cleveland-Cliffs Monessen Coke LLC (f/k/a ArcelorMittal Monessen LLC), Cleveland-Cliffs Plate LLC (f/k/a ArcelorMittal Plate LLC), Cleveland-Cliffs Railways Inc. (f/k/a Mittal Steel USA — Railways Inc.), Cleveland-Cliffs Riverdale LLC (f/k/a ArcelorMittal Riverdale LLC), Cleveland-Cliffs South Chicago & Indiana Harbor Railway Inc. (f/k/a ArcelorMittal South Chicago & Indiana Harbor Railway Inc.), Cleveland-Cliffs Steelton LLC (f/k/a ArcelorMittal Steelton LLC), Cleveland-Cliffs Steelworks Railway Inc. (f/k/a ArcelorMittal Cleveland Works Railway Inc.), Cleveland-Cliffs Tek Inc. (f/k/a ArcelorMittal Tek Inc.), Cleveland-Cliffs Tek Kote Acquisition Corporation (f/k/a Tek Kote
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Acquisition Corporation), Cleveland-Cliffs Tek L.P. (f/k/a I/N Tek L.P.), Cleveland-Cliffs Weirton LLC (f/k/a ArcelorMittal Weirton LLC) and Mid-Vol Coal Sales, Inc. For summarized financial information regarding the entities that compose ArcelorMittal USA, see Cliffs’ Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on February 8, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 9227 Centre Pointe Drive, West Chester,200 Public Square, Suite 3300, Cleveland, Ohio 45069,44114-2315. Our main telephone number is (216) 694-5700, and our telephone number at thatwebsite address is (513) 425-5000. Our internet address is www.aksteel.com. Other than any documents expressly incorporated by reference, thewww.clevelandcliffs.com. The information contained on or accessible through our website and any other website that is referred to in this prospectus is not part of this prospectus.

Summary ofprospectus, other than the Terms of the Exchange Offer

On November 20, 2012,documents that we issued $350.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 8.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 in a private placement and on June 24, 2013, we issued an additional $30.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 8.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 in an add-on private placement. We entered into registration rights agreementsfile with the initial purchasers of the original notes for the benefit of the holders of the original notes, pursuant to which youSEC that are entitled to exchange original notes for registered notes as described inspecifically incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You are entitled to exchange your original notes in the exchange offer for registered notes with identical terms, except that the registered notes will have been registered under the Securities Act and will not bear legends restricting their transfer. Unless you are a broker-dealer or unable to participate in the exchange offer, we believe that the registered notes to be issued in the exchange offer may be resold by you without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. You should read the discussions under the headings “The


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The Exchange Offer” and “Description of the Registered Notes” for further information regarding the registered notes.

Registration Rights AgreementsYou are entitled under the applicable registration rights agreement governing your original notes to exchange your original notes for registered notes with substantially identical terms. The exchange offer is intended to satisfy these rights. After the exchange offer is completed, except as set forth in the next paragraph, you will no longer be entitled to any exchange or registration rights with respect to your original notes.
If you are ineligible to participate in the exchange offer and indicate that you wish to have your original notes registered under the Securities Act, the applicable registration rights agreement governing your original notes requires us to file a registration statement for a continuous offering in accordance with Rule 415 under the Securities Act for your benefit. See “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering.”
The Exchange OfferWe are offering to exchange $1,000 principal amount of our 8.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2018, which have been registered under the Securities Act, for each $1,000 principal amount of their 8.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 that were issued on either November 20, 2012 or June 24, 2013, and have not been so registered.
In order to be exchanged, original notes must be properly tendered and accepted. All original notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn will be exchanged.
As of this date, there are $380.0 million aggregate principal amount of our unregistered 8.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 outstanding.
We will issue the registered notes promptly after the expiration of the exchange offer.

Resales of the Registered NotesWe believe that the registered notes to be issued in the exchange offer may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by you without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act if, but only if, you meet the following conditions:

(1)    the registered notes to be issued to you in the exchange offer are acquired in the ordinary course of your business;

(2)    at the time of the commencement of the exchange offer you have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the registered notes to be issued to you in the exchange offer in violation of the Securities Act;

(3)    you are not an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act) of us;

(4)    if you are a broker-dealer, you are not engaging in, and do not intend to engage in, a distribution of the registered notes to be issued to you in the exchange offer;

(5)    if you are a participating broker-dealer that will receive registered notes for its own account in exchange for the original notes that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the registered notes; and

(6)    you are not acting on behalf of any persons or entities who could not truthfully make the foregoing representations.

Our belief is based on interpretations by the staff of the SEC, as set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties unrelated to us. The staff has not considered this exchange offer in the context of a no-action letter, and we cannot assure you that the staff would make a similar determination with respect to this exchange offer.
If you do not meet the above conditions, you may not participate in the exchange offer or sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any original notes unless (i) they have been registered for resale by you under the Securities Act and you deliver a “resale” prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act or (ii) you sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the registered notes in accordance with an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
Each broker-dealer that is issued registered notes in the exchange offer for its own account in exchange for original notes that were acquired by that broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any of its resales of those registered notes. A broker-dealer may use this prospectus to offer to resell, resell or otherwise transfer those registered notes.

Expiration Date

The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                  , 2013, unless we decide to extend the exchange offer. We refer to this date, as it may be extended, as the expiration date. We do not intend to extend the exchange offer, although we reserve the right to do so. If we determine to extend the exchange offer, we do not intend to extend it beyond                  , 2013.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

The only conditions to completing the exchange offer are that:

(1)    the exchange offer does not violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC;

(2)    no injunction, order or decree shall have been issued that would prohibit, prevent or otherwise materially impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer;

(3)    no action or proceeding shall have been instituted or threatened in any court or by any governmental agency which might materially impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer;

(4)    all governmental approvals shall have been obtained, which approvals we deem necessary for the consummation of the exchange offer;

(5)    there shall not have been any material change, or development involving a prospective material change, in our business or financial affairs which, in our reasonable judgment, would materially impair our ability to consummate the exchange offer; and

(6)    that there shall not have been proposed, adopted or enacted any law, statute, rule or regulation which, in our reasonable judgment, would materially impair our ability to consummate the exchange offer or have a material adverse effect on us if the exchange offer was consummated.

See “The Exchange Offer—Conditions.”

Procedures for Tendering Original Notes Held in the Form of Book-Entry Interests

The original notes were issued as global securities in fully registered form without interest coupons. Beneficial interests in the original notes which are held by direct or indirect participants in The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, through certificateless depositary interests are shown on, and transfers of the original notes can be made only through, records maintained in book-entry form by DTC with respect to its participants.

If you are a holder of an original note held in the form of a book-entry interest and you wish to tender your original note for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer, you must transmit to U.S. Bank National Association, as exchange agent, on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer either:

•    a written or facsimile copy of a properly completed and executed letter of transmittal and all other required documents to the address set forth on the cover page of the letter of transmittal; or

•   a computer-generated message transmitted by means of DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program system and forming a part of a confirmation of book-entry transfer in which you acknowledge and agree to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal.

The exchange agent must also receive on or prior to the expiration of the exchange offer either:

•   a timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of your original notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC, in accordance with the procedure for book-entry transfers described in this prospectus under the heading “The Exchange Offer—Book-Entry Transfer;” or

•   the documents necessary for compliance with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

A form of letter of transmittal accompanies this prospectus. By executing the letter of transmittal or delivering a computer-generated message through DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program system, you will represent to us that, among other things:

•   the registered notes to be issued to you in the exchange offer are acquired in the ordinary course of your business;

•   at the time of the commencement of the exchange offer you have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the registered notes to be issued to you in the exchange offer in violation of the Securities Act;

•   you are not an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act) of us;

•   if you are a broker-dealer, you are not engaging in, and do not intend to engage in, a distribution of the registered notes to be issued to you in the exchange offer;

•   if you are a participating broker-dealer that will receive registered notes for its own account in exchange for the original notes that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the registered notes; and

•   you are not acting on behalf of any persons or entities who could not truthfully make the foregoing representations.

Procedures for Tendering Certificated Original Notes

If you are a holder of book-entry interests in the original notes, you are entitled to receive, in limited circumstances, in exchange for your book-entry interests, certificated notes in equal principal amount to your book-entry interests. See “Description of the Registered Notes—Form of Registered Notes.” No certificated notes are issued and outstanding as of the date of this prospectus, other than a single note issued to and held by DTC. If you acquire

certificated original notes prior to the expiration of the exchange offer, you must tender your certificated original notes in accordance with the procedures described in this prospectus under the heading “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering—Certificated Original Notes.”

Special Procedures for Beneficial Owner

If you are a holder of book-entry interests in the original notes, you are entitled to receive, in limited circumstances, in exchange for your book-entry interests, certificated notes in equal principal amount to your book-entry interests. See “Description of the Registered Notes—Form of Registered Notes.” No certificated notes are issued and outstanding as of the date of this prospectus, other than a single note issued to and held by DTC. If you acquire certificated original notes prior to the expiration of the exchange offer, you must tender your certificated original notes in accordance with the procedures described in this prospectus under the heading “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering—Certificated Original Notes.”

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

If you wish to tender your original notes and:

(1)    they are not immediately available;

(2)    time will not permit your original notes or other required documents to reach the exchange agent before the expiration of the exchange offer; or

(3)    you cannot complete the procedure for book-entry transfer on a timely basis,

you may tender your original notes in accordance with the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures.”
Acceptance of Original Notes and Delivery of Registered Notes

Except under the circumstances described above under “Conditions to the Exchange Offer,” we will accept for exchange any and all original notes which are properly tendered in the exchange offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. The registered notes to be issued to you in the exchange offer will be delivered promptly following the expiration date. See “The Exchange Offer— Procedures for Tendering.”

Withdrawal

You may withdraw the tender of your original notes at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. We will return to you any original notes not accepted for exchange for any reason without expense to you as promptly as we can after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

Exchange Agent

U.S. Bank National Association is serving as the exchange agent in connection with the exchange offer.

Consequences of Failure to Exchange

If you do not participate in the exchange offer, upon completion of the exchange offer, the liquidity of the market for your original notes could be adversely affected. See “The Exchange Offer—Consequences of Failure to Exchange.”

Federal Income Tax Consequences

The exchange of original notes for registered notes should not be a taxable event for federal income tax purposes. See “U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”

Summary of the Terms of the Registered Notes

The following summary contains basic information about the registered notesExchange Offer and is not intended to be complete. It does not contain all the information that ismay be important to you. For a more complete understanding of the notes,Exchange Offer, including for the meanings of capitalized terms not otherwise defined below, please refer to the section of this prospectus entitled “Description of the Registered Notes.“The Exchange Offer.

Issuer

The Exchange Offer
AK Steel Corporation.

Securities offered

$380.0 millionWe are offering to exchange up to $73,298,000 aggregate principal amount of 8.750% Senior Securedour registered 7.00% senior guaranteed notes due 2027, which we refer to herein as the Exchange Notes, for an equal principal amount of our outstanding restricted 7.00% senior guaranteed notes due 2018.2027 issued in a private transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act on March 16, 2020, which we refer to herein as the Original Notes. We refer herein to the Original Notes and the Exchange Notes, collectively, as the Notes. We refer herein to the offer to exchange as the Exchange Offer. The terms of the Exchange Notes will be substantially identical to the terms of the Original Notes, except that the Exchange Notes will be registered under the Securities Act and the transfer restrictions and registration rights and related additional interest provisions applicable to the Original Notes will not apply to the Exchange Notes. The Exchange Notes will be part of the same series as the Original Notes and will be issued under the same indenture. Holders of Original Notes do not have any appraisal or dissenters’ rights in connection with the Exchange Offer.
Purpose of the Exchange OfferThe Exchange Notes are being offered to satisfy our obligations under the registration rights agreement entered into at the time we issued and sold the Original Notes.
Expiration Date; Withdrawal of Tenders; Return of Original Notes Not Accepted for ExchangeThe Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                , 2021 or on a later date and time to which we extend it. We refer to such time and date as the Expiration Date. Tenders of Original Notes in the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration Date. We will exchange the Exchange Notes for validly tendered Original Notes promptly following the Expiration Date. We refer to such date of exchange as the Exchange Date. Any Original Notes that are not accepted for exchange for any reason will be returned by us, at our expense, to the tendering holder promptly after the expiration or termination of the Exchange Offer.
6


Maturity date

Procedures for Tendering Original Notes
December 1, 2018.
Each holder of Original Notes wishing to participate in the Exchange Offer must follow procedures of The Depository Trust Company’s, or DTC, Automated Tender Offer Program, or ATOP, subject to the terms and procedures of that program. The ATOP procedures require that the exchange agent receives, prior to the Expiration Date, a computer-generated message known as an “agent’s message” that is transmitted through ATOP and pursuant to which DTC confirms that:
DTC has received instructions to exchange your Original Notes; and
you agree to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal.
See “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes.”
Consequences of Failure to Exchange Original NotesYou will continue to hold Original Notes, which will remain subject to their existing transfer restrictions, if you do not validly tender your Original Notes or you tender your Original Notes and they are not accepted for exchange. With some limited exceptions, we will have no obligation to register the Original Notes after we consummate the Exchange Offer. See “The Exchange Offer—Terms of the Exchange Offer” and “The Exchange Offer—Consequences of Failure to Exchange.”
Conditions to the Exchange OfferThe Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of Original Notes being tendered or accepted for exchange. The Exchange Offer is subject to customary conditions, which may be waived by us in our discretion. We currently expect that all of the conditions will be satisfied and that no waivers will be necessary. See “The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer.”
Exchange AgentU.S. Bank National Association
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsAs described in “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations,” the exchange of an Original Note for an Exchange Note pursuant to the Exchange Offer will not constitute a taxable exchange and will not result in any taxable income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and immediately after the exchange, a holder will have the same adjusted tax basis and holding period in each Exchange Note received as such holder had immediately prior to the exchange in the corresponding Original Note surrendered.
Risk FactorsYou should carefully read and consider the risk factors beginning on page 18 of this prospectus before deciding whether to participate in the Exchange Offer.


7


The Exchange Notes
The following is a brief summary of the principal terms of the Exchange Notes and is provided solely for your convenience. It is not intended to be complete. For a more detailed description of the Exchange Notes, see “Description of the Notes.”

Issuer

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
Securities OfferedUp to $73,298,000 aggregate principal amount of Exchange Notes.
Maturity DateMarch 15, 2027.
Interest payment dates

Rate
The Exchange Notes will bear interest at 7.00% per year.
Accrual of InterestThe Exchange Notes will accrue interest from (and including) the most recent date on which interest has been paid on the Original Notes accepted in the Exchange Offer.
Interest Payment DatesInterest will be payable in cash on June 1March 15 and December 1September 15 of each year, beginning December 1, 2013.commencing on September 15, 2021. If the record date for the first interest payment date occurs on or prior to the Exchange Date, the record date for the first interest payment date will be deemed the close of business on the business day immediately prior to such interest payment date.

Guarantees

AK Holding, our parent, will guarantee the notes on a senior unsecured basis. If we do not make any payment on the notes, then AK Holding must make the payment instead.

Notes Collateral

The notes are secured by first priority liens on the plant, property and equipment of AK Steel (other than certain excluded property) and proceeds thereof.
See “Description of the Registered Notes—Security.”
Under certain circumstances, the indenture and the security documents governing the notes will permit us and the guarantors to incur additional debt that also may be secured by liens on the notes collateral that are equal to the liens securing the notes. See “Description of the Registered Notes—Security—Collateral Trust Agreement.”

Mandatory Offer to Repurchase Following Certain Asset Sales

If we sell certain notes collateral and do not reinvest the net proceeds in notes collateral in compliance with the indenture that will govern the notes, we must offer to repurchase the notes at 100% of their aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Ranking

The notes will be our senior secured obligations and rank:

•    equal in right of payment with all of our existing and future senior debt but effectively senior to all unsecured debt to the extent of the value of the notes collateral;

•    senior in right of payment to any of our future subordinated debt;

•   effectively junior to any obligations that are secured by assets that are not part of the notes collateral, including the inventory, receivables, intellectual property and related assets and any proceeds of the foregoing (collectively, the “ABL Collateral”), which secure the obligations under our $1.1 billion five-year asset-backed revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”); and

•   effectively junior in right of payment to the obligations of the subsidiaries of AK Steel that do not guarantee the notes; in this regard, none of AK Steel’s subsidiaries will initially guarantee the notes.

As of March 31, 2013:

•   we had no other debt secured ratably with the $350.0 million in aggregate principal amount of notes then outstanding by liens on the notes collateral but had $78.2 million of outstanding letters of credit under our Credit Facility secured by the ABL Collateral;

•   we had $1,100.6 million of unsecured senior debt; and

•   our non-guarantor subsidiaries had $46.7 million of indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables, but excluding intercompany obligations and liabilities of a type not required to be reflected on a balance sheet of such subsidiaries in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”)) to which the notes would have been structurally subordinated.

Optional redemption

RedemptionWe may redeem any of the notesNotes beginning on March 15, 2022. The initial redemption price is 103.500% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. The redemption price will decline each year after 2022 and will be 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest, beginning on March 15, 2025. We may also redeem some or all of the Notes at any time and from time to time prior to December 1, 2015March 15, 2022 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notesthereof plus a “make-whole” premium. We may redeempremium, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, of the notes beginning on December 1, 2015 atto, but excluding, the redemption prices set forth indate. See “Description of the Registered Notes—Optional Redemption.”
In addition, before December 1, 2015, we may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of notes originally issued (calculated after giving effect to any Additional Notes, as defined under “Description of the Registered Notes—General”) with the proceeds of certain public offerings of our common stock at 108.750% of their principal amount plus accrued interest. We may make such redemption only if, after any such redemption, at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of notes originally issued remains outstanding.

Change of control

ControlUpon acertain change of control (as defined under “Description of the Registered Notes—Definitions”),triggering events, we will be required to make an offer to purchase the notes.Notes. The purchase price will equal 101% of the principal amount of the notesNotes on the date of purchase plus accrued and unpaid interest.interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase. We may not have sufficient funds available at the time of any change of control triggering event to make any required debt repayment (including repurchases of the notes)Notes). See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Notes—Risks associated withWe may not be able to repurchase the Notes upon a change of control provisions in the indentures governing our debt and our Credit Facility.triggering event.

8


Certain covenants

Ranking
The termsExchange Notes and the related guarantees:
will be general unsecured senior obligations of Cliffs and the Guarantors;
will rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness of Cliffs and the Guarantors (including the Original Notes), and any guarantees thereof by the Guarantors;
will rank senior in right of payment to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of Cliffs and the Guarantors;
will be effectively subordinated to Cliffs’ and the Guarantors’ existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the notes restrictvalue of the assets securing such indebtedness;
will be structurally senior to existing and future indebtedness of Cliffs that is not guaranteed by each Guarantor; and
will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of subsidiaries of Cliffs that do not guarantee the Notes.
On a pro forma basis, after giving effect to the Acquisitions, and on a continuing operations basis, our ability and the abilitynon-Guarantor subsidiaries would have accounted for 3% of our restrictedconsolidated revenue and approximately 15% of our consolidated net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, on an as adjusted basis, after giving effect to the February 2021 Financing Transactions and our borrowing of an additional $260 million under our ABL Facility since December 31, 2020 in connection with the termination of ArcelorMittal USA’s accounts receivable factoring arrangement, our non-Guarantor subsidiaries (as described in “Descriptionwould have accounted for approximately 9% of the Registered Notes”) to:our consolidated assets and less than 1% of our consolidated long-term debt.
Certain Covenants

The indenture governing the Notes contains covenants that, among other things, limit Cliffs’ and its subsidiaries’ ability to:
create liens on itsour property that secure indebtedness;
enter into certain sale and their assets;

•   incur subsidiary debt;

•   engage in sale/leaseback transactions;

and

   sell notes collateral; and

•   engage in a consolidation, mergermerge, consolidate or sale of assets.

However, these limitationsamalgamate with another company.
These covenants are subject to a number of important qualificationslimitations and exceptions described under the headingexceptions. See “Description of the Registered Notes.Notes—Certain Covenants.

Form of registered notes

The registered notes to be issued in the exchange offer will be represented by one or more global securities deposited with U.S. Bank National Association for the benefit of DTC. You will not receive registered notes in certificated form unless one of the events set forth under the heading “Description of the Registered Notes—Form of Registered Notes” occurs. Instead, beneficial interests in the registered notes to be issued in the exchange offer will be shown on, and transfer of these interests will be effected only through, records maintained in book-entry form by DTC with respect to its participants.

Use of Proceeds

We will not receive any cash proceeds upon completionfrom the issuance of the exchange offer.Exchange Notes. See “Use of Proceeds.”
Governing LawThe Notes, the guarantees thereof and the indenture governing the Notes are governed by the laws of the State of New York.

Trustee, Registrar and Paying Agent

U.S. Bank National Association.
Risk Factors

See “Risk Factors” and other information in this prospectus for a discussion of certain factors that you should be carefully considerconsidered by the holders of the Original Notes before tendering their Original Notes in the Exchange Offer and investing in the notes and participation in the exchange offer.Exchange Notes.

Ratio

9


Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Earnings to Fixed Charges

Cliffs

The following table below sets forth information regarding our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the historical periods shown. For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of income from continuing operations before income taxes with applicable adjustments. Fixed charges consist of capitalized interest credit, interest factor in rent expense and other interest and fixed charges.

Three months

ended

March 31, 2013

  Year Ended December 31,
  2012 2011 2010 2009 2008
NM*  NM* NM* NM* NM* NM*

*For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, 2010 2009 and 2008, earnings were less than fixed charges by $7.2 million, $252.1 million, $243.6 million, $172.3 million, $95.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

Summary Historical Financial and Operating Data

The following summary historical consolidated financial and other statistical data as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 has beenperiods presented. We derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, and the summary historical consolidated financial data and other statistical data as of December 31, 20122020 and 20112019 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012 has been derived2020, 2019 and 2018 from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are incorporated by reference ininto this prospectus. The summary historical consolidated financial data and other statistical data as of December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 and for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 has been2018 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are not included or incorporated by reference ininto this prospectus.

This information is only a summary. You Summary historical consolidated financial and other statistical data should be read the data set forth in the table below in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, the related notes and other financial information incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of future results and should be read together with the accompanying notes as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and our audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for each of the yearsother information contained in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, which are included in AK Holding’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 and AK Holding’sCliffs’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, each2020, including the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of which isFinancial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the reports incorporated by reference ininto this prospectus.

  Year Ended December 31,  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2012  2013 
  (Dollars in millions, except per share and per ton data) 

Net sales

 $7,644.3   $4,076.8   $5,968.3   $6,468.0   $5,933.7   $1,508.7   $1,369.8  

Costs of products sold (exclusive of items below)

  6,489.1    3,725.6    5,643.2    6,036.8    5,539.1    1,409.0    1,252.3  

Selling and administrative expenses (exclusive of items shown below)

  218.9    188.3    204.0    215.4    208.7    55.8    51.6  

Depreciation

  202.1    204.6    197.1    185.0    192.0    48.3    48.6  

Pension and other postretirement benefits expense (income) (exclusive of corridor charge shown below)

  6.7    28.4    (14.9  (36.0  (35.3  (8.5  (15.9

Pension corridor charge

  660.1          268.1    157.3        

Other operating items:

       

Ashland coke plant shutdown charges

     —     63.7    —      —      —      —    

Butler retiree benefit settlement costs

  —      —      9.1    —      —      —      —    

Curtailment charge

  39.4    —      —      —      —      —      —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating costs

  7,616.3    4,146.9    6,102.2    6,669.3    6,061.8    1,504.6    1,336.6  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit (loss)

  28.0    (70.1  (133.9  (201.3  (128.1  4.1    33.2  

Interest expense

  46.5    37.0    33.0    47.5    86.7    16.2    31.0  

Other income (expense)

  12.1    9.1    (7.6  (5.3  6.2    0.9    1.8  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

  (6.4  (98.0  (174.5  (254.1  (208.6  (11.2  4.0  

Income tax provision due to tax law changes

  —      5.1    25.3    2.0    —      —      —    

Income tax provision (benefit)(1)

  (10.9  (25.1  (69.1  (96.0  790.0    (4.3  (2.8
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total income tax provision (benefit)

  (10.9  (20.0  (43.8  (94.0  790.0    (4.3  (2.8
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  4.5    (78.0  (130.7  (160.1  (998.6  (6.9  6.8  

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(1)

  0.5    (3.4  (1.8  (4.5  28.7    4.9    16.7  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to AK Holding

 $4.0   $(74.6 $(128.9 $(155.6 $(1,027.3 $(11.8 $(9.9
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share:

       

Net income (loss) per share attributable to AK Holding common stockholders

 $0.04   $(0.68 $(1.17 $(1.41 $(9.06 $(0.11 $(0.07
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(In Millions, except per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31,
2020(a)20192018(b)
Financial data
Revenues$5,319 $1,990 $2,332 
Realization of deferred revenue$35 $— $— 
Income (loss) from continuing operations$(82)$295 $1,040 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax$$(2)$88 
Earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Cliffs common shareholders – basic
Continuing operations$(0.32)$1.07 $3.50 
Discontinued operations— (0.01)0.30 
Earnings (loss) per common share
attributable to Cliffs common
shareholders – basic
$(0.32)$1.06 $3.80 
Earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Cliffs common shareholders – diluted
Continuing operations$0.32 $1.04 $3.42 
Discontinued operations— (0.01)0.29 
Earnings (loss) per common share
attributable to Cliffs common
shareholders – diluted
$0.32 $1.03 $3.71 
Total assets$16,771 $3,504 $3,530 
Long-term debt obligations
(including finance leases)
$5,634 $2,145 $2,105 

  Year Ended December 31,  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2012  2013 
  (Dollars in millions, except per share and per ton data) 

Other financial data:

       

Capital investments(2)

 $(166.8 $(109.5 $(117.1 $(101.1 $(45.5 $(10.5 $(15.5

Net cash flows from operating activities

  83.1    58.8    (132.4  (180.5  (270.8  (150.0  (7.0

Net cash flows from investing activities

  (217.8  (133.4  (266.3  (420.2  (118.6  (29.9  (15.7

Net cash flows from financing activities

  (16.2  (26.4  153.8    425.9    574.4    180.2    (12.5

Balance sheet data (as of period end):

       

Cash and cash equivalents

 $562.7   $461.7   $216.8   $42.0   $227.0   $42.3   $191.8  

Working capital

  1,268.6    889.4    559.6    137.3    630.3    397.1    604.0  

Total assets(3)

  4,682.0    4,274.7    4,188.6    4,449.9    3,903.1    4,691.3    3,906.1  

Current portion of long-term debt (including borrowings under the Credit Facility classified as short-term)

  0.7    0.7    0.7    250.7    0.7    145.7    0.7  

Long-term debt (excluding current portion)

  632.6    605.8    650.6    650.0    1,411.2    949.9    1,411.9  

Current portion of pension and postretirement benefit obligations

  152.4    144.1    145.7    130.0    108.6    127.2    109.8  

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations (excluding current portion)

  2,144.2    1,856.2    1,706.0    1,744.8    1,661.7    1,705.8    1,607.7  

Total equity (deficit)(1)

  970.7    880.1    641.1    377.2    (91.0  360.6    (109.7

Other data:

       

Cash dividend declared per common share

 $0.20   $0.20   $0.20   $0.20   $0.10   $0.05   $—   

Amortization(4)

 $11.2   $12.3   $15.0   $14.1   $14.2   $6.9   $4.1  

Adjusted EBITDA(5)

 $941.6   $156.4   $144.3   $265.7   $181.2   $48.9   $66.8  

Steel shipments (net thousand tons)

  5,866.0    3,935.5    5,660.9    5,698.8    5,431.3    1,325.9    1,289.8  

Average selling price per ton

 $1,303   $1,036   $1,054   $1,131   $1,092   $1,138   $1,062  

Adjusted EBITDA per ton

 $161   $40   $25   $47   $33   $37   $52  

(1)

In the first quarter of 2013, SunCoke Energy, Inc. (“SunCoke”) completed an initial public offering of an affiliate, SunCoke Energy Partners, L.P., a master limited partnership. As a result of a change in the legal structure of the SunCoke entities that own Middletown Coke Company, LLC (“SunCoke Middletown”) made in connection with the offering, income taxes are no longer allocated to net income attributable to SunCoke Middletown beginning in the first quarter of 2013. Thus, effective January 1, 2013, our income tax provision (benefit) no longer includes the effect of that allocation. However, for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and the three months ended March 31, 2012, the consolidated income tax provision (benefit) included $(1.1) million, $(2.8) million, $17.6 million and $3.0 million, respectively, associated with SunCoke Middletown. For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, the consolidated income tax provision (benefit) included

10



(In Millions, except per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31,
2020(a)20192018(b)
Financial data (continued)
Cash dividends declared to common shareholders
- Per share$0.06 $0.27 $0.05 
- Total$25 $75 $15 
Repurchases of common shares$— $(253)$(48)
Common shares outstanding – basic (millions)
- Average for period379277297
- At period-end478270293
(In Millions)
Year Ended December 31,
2020(a)20192018(b)
Sales statistics
Third-Party Sales tonnage
- Steel (net tons)3.8
- Iron Ore (long tons)11.718.620.6
(In Millions)
Year Ended December 31,
2020(a)20192018(b)
Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA to Total Cliffs Adjusted EBITDA
Net income (loss)$(81)$293 $1,128 
Less:
Interest expense, net(238)(101)(121)
Income tax benefit (expense)111 (18)460 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization(308)(85)(89)
Total EBITDA$354 $497 $878 
Less:
EBITDA of noncontrolling interests$56 $— $— 
Impact of discontinued operations(1)121 
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt130 (18)(7)
Severance costs(38)(2)— 
Acquisition-related costs(52)(7)— 
Amortization of inventory step-up(96)— — 
Foreign exchange remeasurement— — (1)
Impairment of long-lived assets— — (1)
Total Cliffs Adjusted EBITDA$353 $525 $766 
no amounts associated with SunCoke Middletown. Neither the former tax allocation nor the January 1, 2013 change eliminating that allocation had any effect on the net income (loss) attributable to AK Holding in any period. As of December 31, 2012, the advances in SunCoke Middletown were classified as noncontrolling interests as a result of SunCoke’s conclusion that the advances should now be treated as an equity investment. These advances totaled $45.5 million, $74.5 million, $226.2 million, $436.8 million and $416.2 million at December 31, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and March 31, 2012, respectively, and were included in other non-current liabilities based on SunCoke’s treatment of the advances as intercompany payables.
(2)Excludes operations of SunCoke Middletown, which are consolidated in our results although we do not own an equity interest in SunCoke Middletown.
(3)Included in consolidated total assets are assets of consolidated variable interest entities totaling $439.2 million at March 31, 2013. These assets are primarily related to SunCoke Middletown, although AK Steel has no ownership interest in SunCoke Middletown’s equity or its assets. As such, the assets do not and will not serve as collateral for the notes or any of our other indebtedness, nor are the assets available to our creditors or shareholders in settlement of any claims.
(4)Amortization excludes amounts that are included in interest expense.
(5)EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) attributable to AK Holding, plus noncontrolling interests, income tax provision (benefit), net interest expense, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) attributable to AK Holding, plus income tax provision (benefit), net interest expense, depreciation, amortization and special charges. These are metrics that are sometimes used to compare the results of different companies by removing the effects of different factors that might otherwise make comparisons inaccurate or inappropriate. The adjusted results, although not financial measures under GAAP and not identically applied by other companies, facilitate the ability to analyze our financial results in relation to those of our competitors and to our prior financial performance by excluding items that otherwise would distort the comparison. Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is presented because we believe it enhances investors’ understanding of our financial results and is a useful indicator of our performance and our ability to meet debt service and capital expenditure requirements. It is not, however, intended as an alternative measure of operating results or cash flow from operations as determined in accordance with GAAP.

We

(a)During 2020, Cliffs completed the AK Steel Merger on March 13, 2020 and the AM USA Transaction on December 9, 2020. Results for 2020 include the results subsequent to the respective acquisition dates.
(b)During 2018, Cliffs recorded an income tax benefit of $475 million, primarily related to the release of the valuation allowance in the U.S. Additionally, on January 1, 2018, Cliffs adopted Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, or ASC Topic 606, and applied it to all contracts that were not completed using the modified retrospective method. Cliffs recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying ASC Topic 606 as an adjustment of $34 million to the opening balance of retained deficit.
11


Summary Historical Financial Data of ArcelorMittal USA LLC and Affiliates
The table below sets forth summary historical financial data of ArcelorMittal USA LLC and other former wholly owned subsidiaries of ArcelorMittal that were acquired by Cliffs in connection with the AM USA Transaction as of and for (i) the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and (ii) the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The summary historical condensed combined consolidated financial data as of and for each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 have adjusted EBITDAbeen derived from audited combined consolidated financial statements for “ArcelorMittal USA LLC and Affiliates,” which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The summary historical condensed combined consolidated financial data as of September 30, 2020 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 have been derived from unaudited condensed combined consolidated financial statements for “ArcelorMittal USA LLC and Affiliates,” which are incorporated by reference herein. The interim unaudited financial data have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial data and include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary to excludepresent fairly the effectsdata for such periods and may not necessarily be indicative of noncontrolling interests, pension corridor accounting charges, Ashland coke plant shutdown charges and Butler Retiree Settlement costs. We have made these adjustments because we believe that reporting adjusted net income (loss) attributable to AK Holding (as a total and on a per share basis) with these items excluded more clearly reflects our current operatingfull-year results.
The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of future results and provides investorsshould be read together with a better understanding of our overallthe consolidated financial performance.

We recognize in our results of operations, as a corridor adjustment, any unrecognized actuarial net gains or losses that exceed 10% of the larger of projected benefit obligations or plan assets. Amounts inside this 10% corridor are amortized over the plan participants’ life expectancy. The need for a corridor charge is considered at any remeasurement date, but has historically only been recorded in the fourth quarter at the time of the annual remeasurement. After excluding the corridor charge, the remaining pension expensestatements and accompanying notes included in the non-GAAP measurereports incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

(In Millions, except as otherwise noted)
Year Ended December 31,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019201820202019
Statement of Operations Data
Net sales$10,169 $11,334 $5,629 $8,001 
Operating income (loss)(126)613 (725)63 
Net income (loss)(79)585 (702)54 
Other Data
Total flat-rolled shipments (in thousands of net tons)11,220 12,040 7,234 8,588 
Selling price per flat-rolled net ton (in dollars)$774 $828 $662 $800 
Total other steel shipments (in thousands of net tons)1,310 1,128 837 990 
Balance Sheet Data
Total assets$9,398 $9,703 $8,380 
Long-term debt— — — 
12


(In Millions)
Year Ended December 31,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019201820202019
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA
Net income attributable to ArcelorMittal USA$(79)$585 $(702)$54 
Less:
Interest and other financing expense, third party(100)(104)(50)(81)
Interest income, related party146 137 103 110 
Interest income, third party
Benefit (provision) for income taxes53 (2)— 
Depreciation and amortization(359)(356)(309)(262)
EBITDA174 906 (450)281 
Less:
Derivative timing adjustment37 77 10 26 
IFA fee & misc. corporate chargebacks (a)(129)(154)(98)(104)
Asset impairments(21)— (26)— 
Onerous contracts(21)(3)(59)
Adjusted EBITDA$308 $981 $(333)$418 
(a)The impact of reversal of the fees charged for management, financial and legal services, and research and development under the Industrial Franchise Agreement, dated January 1, 2015, between ArcelorMittal USA LLC and its former parent, or the Industrial Franchise Agreement, net of income from right to use intellectual property.
13


Summary Historical Financial Data of I/N Kote
The table below sets forth summary historical financial data of I/N Kote as of and for (i) the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and (ii) the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The summary historical financial data as of and for each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 have been derived from audited financial statements for “I/N Kote,” which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The summary historical financial data as of September 30, 2020 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 have been derived from unaudited condensed financial statements for “I/N Kote,” which are incorporated by reference herein. The interim unaudited financial data have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial data and include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the data for such periods and may not necessarily be indicative of full-year results.
The information set forth below is comparablenot necessarily indicative of future results and should be read together with the financial statements and accompanying notes included in the reports incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
(In Millions, except as otherwise noted)
Year Ended December 31,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019201820202019
Statement of Operations Data
Net sales$498 $553 $265 $365 
Operating income38 41 21 30 
Net income38 41 21 29 
Other Data
Total flat-rolled shipments (in thousands of net tons)490 567 288 375 
Selling price per flat-rolled net ton (in dollars)$1,017 $976 $920 $973 
Balance Sheet Data
Total assets$210 $221 $248 
Long-term debt (a)15 17 10 
(a)Includes the current portion of long-term debt.
(In Millions)
Year Ended December 31,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019201820202019
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA
Net income attributable to I/N Kote$38 $41 $21 $29 
Less:
Interest expense, net— — — — 
Income tax expense— — — — 
Depreciation and amortization(6)(7)(4)(4)
EBITDA$44 $48 $25 $33 
Adjusted EBITDA (a)    $44 $48 $25 $33 
(a)All adjustments to EBITDA are nil.
14


Summary Historical Financial Data of I/N Tek
The table below sets forth summary historical financial data of I/N Tek as of and for (i) the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and (ii) the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The summary historical financial data as of and for each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 have been derived from audited financial statements for “I/N Tek,” which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The summary historical financial data as of September 30, 2020 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 have been derived from unaudited condensed financial statements for “I/N Tek,” which are incorporated by reference herein. The interim unaudited financial data have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial data and include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the data for such periods and may not necessarily be indicative of full-year results.
The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of future results and should be read together with the financial statements and accompanying notes included in the reports incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
(In Millions, except as otherwise noted)
Year Ended December 31,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019201820202019
Statement of Operations Data
Net sales$167 $168 $108 $124 
Operating income68 65 44 50 
Net income66 63 44 49 
Other Data
Total flat-rolled shipments (in thousands of net tons)1,319 1,428 733 1,003 
Selling price per flat-rolled net ton (in dollars)$127 $117 $147 $123 
Balance Sheet Data
Total assets$169 $160 $166 
Long-term debt (a)38 42 26 
(a)Includes the current portion of long-term debt.
(In Millions)
Year Ended December 31,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019201820202019
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA
Net income attributable to I/N Tek$66 $63 $44 $49 
Less:
Interest expense, net(1)(1)— (1)
Income tax benefit (expense)— — — — 
Depreciation and amortization(9)(9)(6)(6)
EBITDA76 73 50 56 
Adjusted EBITDA (a)$76 $73 $50 $56 
(a)All adjustments to EBITDA are nil.

15


Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Data
The following table presents summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data of Cliffs after giving effect to the accounting for pension expense on a GAAP basisAcquisitions, which is referred to as the “summary pro forma financial data.” The information under “Pro Forma Statements of Income Data” and “Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA” in the first three quarterstables below gives effect to the Acquisitions as if they had been consummated on January 1, 2020, the beginning of the yearearliest period for which unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data have been presented. This pro forma financial data was prepared using the acquisition method of accounting with Cliffs considered the accounting acquirer in each of the Acquisitions.
The summary pro forma financial data reflects preliminary pro forma adjustments that have been made solely for the purpose of providing the summary pro forma financial data presented in this prospectus. Cliffs estimated the fair value of AK Steel’s and we believe this is usefulArcelorMittal USA’s assets and liabilities based on discussions with AK Steel’s and ArcelorMittal USA’s management, due diligence information, preliminary valuation analyses performed by a third-party specialist and reviewed by Cliffs, information presented in analyzing our results on a quarter-to-quarter basis, as well as analyzing our results on a year-to-year basis.AK Steel’s SEC filings and other publicly available information. As a result of our corridor methodthe foregoing, the pro forma adjustments are preliminary and are subject to change as additional information becomes available and as additional analysis is performed.
Any changes in the fair values of accounting, our subsequentthe net assets or total purchase consideration as compared with the information shown in the pro forma financial results on both a GAAPdata may change the amount of the total purchase consideration allocated to goodwill and a non-GAAP basis do not contain anyother assets and liabilities and may impact the combined company statements of income due to adjustments in depreciation and amortization of prior period actuarial gainsthe adjusted assets or losses that exceededliabilities and related deferred income tax effects. The final purchase consideration allocation may be materially different than the corridor threshold because those amounts were immediately recognized as a corridor adjustmentpreliminary purchase consideration allocation presented in the period incurred. Actuarial net gainspro forma financial data.
The information presented below should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and lossesrelated notes incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and with the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements of Cliffs, including the related notes, incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of results that actually would have occurred or that may occur when actual experience differs from anyin the future had the Acquisitions been completed on the dates indicated, or of the many assumptions used to value the benefit plans,future operating results or when the

assumptions change, as they may each year when a valuation is performed. The two most significant of those assumptions are the discount rate used to value projected plan obligations and the rate of return on plan assets. In addition, changes in other actuarial assumptions and the degree by which the unrealized gains or losses are within the corridor threshold prior to remeasurement will affect the calculationfinancial position of the corridor adjustment. The effectcombined company following the Acquisitions. Future results may vary significantly from the results reflected because of prevailing interest rates onvarious factors, including those discussed in the discount ratesection entitled “Risk Factors.”

(In Millions, except per share amounts)
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
Pro Forma Statements of Income Data:
Revenues from product sales and services$12,837 
Loss from continuing operations$(820)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax$
Earnings (loss) per common share attributable to common shareholders
Basic$(1.82)
Diluted$(1.82)
Cash dividends declared to common shareholders (a)N/A
Cash dividends declared to preferred shareholders (a)N/A
(a)Pro forma dividends per share data is not presented, as the dividend per share for the combined company will be determined by the board of directors of the December 31 measurement date and actual return on plan assets compared to the expected return will have a significant impact on the determination of our year-end liability, corridor adjustment and subsequent year’s expense for these benefit plans. For example, the corridor charge for the year ended December 31, 2012 was driven by actuarial losses caused primarily by (i) a decrease in the discount rate assumption used to determine the current year pension liabilities from 4.74% at December 31, 2011 to 3.85% at December 31, 2012 (an actuarial loss of approximately $280.0 million) and (ii) changes in mortality assumptions partially offset by (iii) the net effect of the difference between the expected return on assets of 8.0% ($188.3 million) and the actual return on assets of 14.8% ($347.8 million) (netting to an actuarial gain of $159.5 million). We believe that the corridor method of accounting for pension and other postretirement obligations is rarely used by other publicly traded companies. However, because different approaches are used in recognizing actuarial gains and losses, our resulting pension expense on a GAAP basis or a non-GAAP basis may not be comparable to other companies’ pension expense on a GAAP basis. Although the corridor charge reduces reported operating and net income, it does not affect our cash flows in the current period. However, the pension obligation will be ultimately settled in cash.

combined company.

16


The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDAreconciles pro forma net income to Net income (loss) attributable to AK Holding:

  Year Ended December 31,  Three Months Ended
March  31,
 
  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012      2012          2013     
  (Dollars in millions, except per ton data) 

Net income (loss) attributable to AK Holding

 $4.0   $(74.6 $(128.9 $(155.6 $(1,027.3 $(11.8 $(9.9

Noncontrolling interests

  0.5    (3.4  (1.8  (4.5  28.7    4.9    16.7  

Income tax provision (benefit)

  (10.9  (20.0  (43.8  (94.0  790.0    (4.3  (2.8

Interest expense

  46.5    37.0    33.0    47.5    86.7    16.2    31.0  

Interest income

  (10.6  (2.7  (1.6  (0.5  (0.4  (0.1  (0.7

Depreciation

  202.1    204.6    197.1    185.0    192.0    48.3    48.6  

Amortization

  11.2    12.3    15.0    14.1    14.2    6.9    4.1  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

EBITDA

  242.8    153.2    69.0    (8.0  83.9    60.1    87.0  

Special charges(a)

  699.5    —     72.8    268.1    157.3    —     —   

Less: EBITDA of noncontrolling interests(b)

  0.7    (3.2  (2.5  (5.6  60.0    11.2    20.2  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 $941.6   $156.4   $144.3   $265.7   $181.2   $48.9   $66.8  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA per ton

 $161   $40   $25   $47   $33   $37   $52  

Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA.
(a)Special charges include (i) a pension corridor charge of $660.1 million in 2008, $268.1 million in 2011
(In Millions)
Pro Forma
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA:
Net income (loss)$(819)
Less:
Interest expense, net(317)
Income tax benefit439 
Depreciation, depletion and $157.3 million in 2012, (ii) $63.7 million for the shutdown of the Ashland coke plant and a $9.1 million charge taken in connection with the Butler retiree benefit settlement costs in 2010 and (iii) a pension curtailment charge of $39.4 million in 2008.amortization(593)
EBITDA(b)(348)The reconciliation of
Less:
EBITDA of noncontrolling interests to net income65 
Asset impairments(26)
Impact of discontinued operations
Gain (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is as follows:on extinguishment of debt130 
Inventory step-up(362)
Onerous contracts(42)
Acquisition-related costs(55)
Severance costs(50)
Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA(9)
Expected synergies not already realized242 
Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA (inclusive of expected synergies)$233 

  Year Ended December 31,  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012      2012          2013     
  (Dollars in millions) 

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 $0.5   $(3.4 $(1.8 $(4.5 $28.7   $4.9   $16.7  

Income tax provision (benefit)

  —      —      (1.1  (2.8  17.6    3.0    —   

Depreciation

  0.2    0.2    0.4    1.7    13.7    3.3    3.5  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

EBITDA of noncontrolling interests

 $0.7   $(3.2 $(2.5 $(5.6 $60.0   $11.2   $20.2  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

17


RISK FACTORS

The terms of the Exchange Notes will be identical in all material respects to those of the Original Notes, except for the transfer restrictions and registration rights and related additional interest provisions relating to the Original Notes that will not apply to the Exchange Notes. You should carefully consider the risks described below and all of the information contained in and incorporated by reference into this prospectus before making a decision on whether or not to participate in the Exchange Offer. In addition, toyou should carefully consider, among other things, the risks described in “Item 1A—Riskmatters discussed under “Risk Factors” in AK Holding’sour Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, as well as the other risks and uncertainties described in the other documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, before investing in the notes. We cannot assure you that you will not lose part or all of your investment.

Risks Relating to our Business

We caution readers that our business activities involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those we currently expect. The most significant2020. If any of those risks are:

Risk of reduced selling prices and shipments associated with a highly competitive, cyclical industry and weakened economies. Historically, the steel industry has been a cyclical industry. The recovery from the dramatic downturn in the domestic and global economies that began in the fall of 2008 has been slow and uneven across various industries and sectors. The lingering effects of the recession continue to adversely affect demand for our products. Although pricing and shipments have improved compared to the severe recessionary conditions of 2009, net sales have not yet returned to pre-2009 levels. This failure to return to pre-recession conditions is the result of a variety of factors, including:

the slow pace of the U.S. economic recovery and heightened uncertainty with respect to the direction of the economy in the United States;

greater widespread uncertainty and deterioration in the economies of Western Europe, caused chiefly by currency devaluations, high debt levels and reduced government and private sector spending;

the effects of a slowdown in the Chinese economy, including increases in exports of some categories of Chinese steel to the United States;

increased competition in the United States from both foreign and domestic steel competitors, particularly those in bankruptcy or with new or expanded production capacity in the United States; and

decreases in scrap steel exports from the United States to Europe as a result of lower foreign demand and currency devaluations, which results in greater scrap supply and lower scrap pricing in the United States and provides a competitive advantage to mini-mill producers who utilize more scrap in their steel production than integrated mills like us.

These conditions directly impact spot market pricing for our products, and in particular our carbon steel products. They also may adversely impact our efforts to negotiate higher prices with our contract customers. At this time, it is impossible to determine when or if the domestic and/or global economies will return to pre-recession levels. Thus there is a risk of continued adverse impact on demand for our products, the prices for those products, and our sales and shipments of those products as a result of the ongoing weakness in the economy. In addition, global economic conditions remain fragile and the possibility remains that the domestic or global economies, or certain industry sectors of those economies that are key to our sales, may not recover as quickly as anticipated, or could deteriorate, which likely would result in a corresponding fall in demand for our products and negatively impactactually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer. The risks discussed below also include forward-looking statements, and cash flows.

Risk of changes in the cost of raw materials and energy. The price which we pay for energy and key raw materials, such as iron ore, coal, natural gas and scrap, can fluctuate significantly based on market factors. The prices at which we sell steel will not necessarily change in tandem with changes in our raw material and energy costs. A portion of our shipments are in the spot market, and pricing for these products fluctuates based on prevailing market conditions. The remainder of our shipments are pursuant to contracts typically having durations of six months or more. A portion of those contracts

contain fixed prices that do not allow us to pass through changes in the event of increases or decreases in raw material and energy costs. However, a significant majority of our shipments to contract customers are pursuant to contracts with variable-pricing mechanisms that allow AK Steel to adjust the price or to impose a surcharge based upon changes in certain raw material and energy costs. Those adjustments, however, do not always reflect all of our underlying raw material and energy cost changes. The scope of the adjustment may be limited by the terms of the negotiated language or by the timing of when the adjustment is effective relative to a cost increase. For shipments made to the spot market, market conditions or timing of sales may not allow us to recover the full amount of an increase in raw material or energy costs. As a result of the factors set forth above with respect to spot market sales and contract sales, we are not always able to recover through the price of our steel the full amount of cost increases associated with our purchase of energy or key raw materials. In such circumstances a significant increase in raw material or energy costs likely would adversely impact our financial results and cash flows. Conversely, in certain circumstances, our financial results and cash flows also can be adversely affected when raw material prices decline. This can occur when we lock in the price of a raw material over a period of time and the spot market price for the material declines during that period. Because there often is a correlation between the price of finished steel and the raw materials of which it is comprised, a decline in raw material prices may coincide with lower steel prices, compressing our margins. The impact of a change in raw materials prices also may be delayed by the need to consume existing inventories. New inventory may not be purchased until some portion of the existing inventory purchased earlier is consumed. The impact of this risk is particularly significant with respect to iron ore because of the volume used by operations and the associated costs. Our exposure to the risk of price increases with respect to iron ore and coal has been reduced by virtue of our investments in an iron ore joint venture and in the acquisition of coal reserves. These investments are expected over time to enable us to acquire approximately one half of our annual iron ore and coal needs at prices that are less exposed to market fluctuations and are below current market prices, but there is a risk that the volume of iron ore and coal acquired by us through these investments will be less than that in the event of delays in development or otherwise, or that the cost of raw materials from these operations will be higher than expected. To the extent that we must acquire our iron ore and coal at market prices, the overall trend of these prices remains high in comparison to historical prices. Going forward, cost increases could be significant again with respect to iron ore and coal, as well as certain other raw materials, such as scrap. The impact of significant fluctuations in the price we pay for our raw materials can be exacerbated by our “last in, first out” (“LIFO”) method for valuing inventories when there are changes in the cost of raw materials or energy or in our raw material inventory levels as well as our finished and semi-finished inventory levels. The impact of LIFO accounting may be particularly significant with respect to period-to-period comparisons.

Risk of severe financial hardship or bankruptcy of one or more of our major customers. Many, if not most, of our customers have shared the financial and operational challenges faced by us during the severe recession that began in late 2008 and the slow and uneven domestic and global economic recovery that has followed. In the event of a significant weakening of current economic conditions, whether as a result of secular or cyclical issues, it could lead to financial difficulties or even bankruptcy filings by our customers. We could be adversely impacted by such financial hardships or bankruptcies. The nature of that impact most likely would be lost sales or losses associated with the potential inability to collect all outstanding accounts receivables. Such an event could negatively impact our financial results and cash flows.

Risk of reduced demand in key product markets. The automotive and housing markets are important elements of our business. Though conditions have improved since the severe economic downturn that started in the fall of 2008, particularly with respect to the automotive market, both markets continue to be depressed compared to pre-recession levels. If demand from one or more of our major automotive customers were to be reduced significantly as a result of a renewed severe economic downturn, increased use of competing materials in substitution for steel, or other causes, it likely would negatively affect our sales, financial results and cash flows. Similarly, if demand for our products sold to the housing market were to be further reduced significantly, it could negatively affect AK Steel’s sales, financial results and cash flows.

Risk of increased global steel production and imports. Actions by our domestic or foreign competitors to increase production in and/or exports to the United States could result in an increased supply of steel in the United States, which could result in lower prices for and shipments of our products. In fact, significant increases in production capacity in the United States by competitors of AK Steel already has occurred in recent years as new carbon and stainless steelmaking and finishing facilities have begun production. In addition, foreign competitors, especially those in China, have substantially increased their production capacity in the last few years, and in some instances have seemingly targeted the U.S. market for imports of certain higher value products, including electrical steels. These and other factors have contributed to a high level of imports of foreign steel into the United States in recent years and create a risk of even greater levels of imports, depending upon foreign market and economic conditions, the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies, and other variables beyond our control. A significant further increase in domestic capacity or foreign imports could adversely affect our sales, financial results and cash flows.

Risks of excess inventory of raw materials. We have certain raw material supply contracts, particularly with respect to iron ore and coke, which have terms providing for minimum annual purchases, subject to exceptions for force majeure and other circumstances. If our need for a particular raw material is reduced for an extended period significantly below what was projected at the time the applicable contract was entered into, or what was projected at the time an annual nomination was made under that contract, we could be required to purchase quantities of raw materials, particularly iron ore and coke, which exceed our anticipated annual needs. If that circumstance was to occur, and if we were not successful in reaching agreement with a particular raw material supplier to reduce the quantity of raw materials it purchases from that supplier, then we would likely be required to purchase more of a particular raw material in a given year than it needs, negatively affecting our financial results and cash flows. The impact on financial results could be exacerbated by our LIFO method for valuing inventories, which could be affected by changes in our raw material inventory levels, as well as our finished and semi-finished inventory levels. The impact of LIFO accounting may be particularly significant with respect to period-to-period comparisons.

Risk of supply chain disruptions or poor quality of raw materials. Our sales, financial results and cash flows could be adversely affected by transportation, raw material or energy supply disruptions, or poor quality of raw materials, particularly scrap, coal, coke, iron ore, alloys and purchased carbon slabs. Such disruptions or quality issues, whether the result of severe financial hardships or bankruptcies of suppliers, natural or man-made disasters or other adverse weather events, or other unforeseen circumstances or events, could reduce production or increase costs at one or more of our plants.

Risk of production disruption or reduced production levels. When business conditions permit, we operate our facilities at production levels at or near capacity. High levels of production are important to our financial results because they enable us to spread our fixed costs over a greater number of tons. Production disruptions could be caused by the idling of facilities due to reduced demand, such as resulting from the recent economic downturn. Such production disruptions also could be caused by unanticipated plant outages or equipment failures, particularly under circumstances where we lack adequate redundant facilities, such as with respect to our hot mill. In addition, the occurrence of natural or man-made disasters, adverse weather conditions, or similar events or circumstances could significantly disrupt our operations, negatively impact the operations of other companies or contractors we depend upon in our operations, or adversely affect customers or markets to which we sell our products. Any such significant disruptions or reduced levels of production would adversely affect our sales, financial results and cash flows.

Risks associated with our healthcare obligations. We provide healthcare coverage to our active employees and to a significant portion of our retirees, as well as to certain members of their families. We are self-insured with respect to substantially all of our healthcare coverage. While we have substantially mitigated our exposure to rising healthcare costs through cost sharing, healthcare cost caps and the establishment of Voluntary Employee Benefit Associations trusts, the cost of providing

such healthcare coverage may be greater on a relative basis for us than for other steel companies against whom we compete because such competitors either provide a lesser level of benefits, require that their participants pay more for the benefits they receive, or do not provide coverage to as broad a group of participants (e.g., they do not provide retiree healthcare benefits). In addition, existing or new federal healthcare legislation could adversely affect our financial condition through increased costs in the future.

Risks associated with our pension obligations. Our pension trust is currently underfunded to meet our long-term obligations. The extent of underfunding is directly affected by changes in interest rates and asset returns in the securities markets. It also is affected by the rate and age of employee retirements, along with actual experience compared to actuarial projections. These items affect pension plan assets and the calculation of pension obligations and expenses. Such changes could increase the cost to us of those obligations, which could have a material adverse effect on our results and our ability to meet those obligations. In addition, changes in the law, rules, or governmental regulations with respect to pension funding could also materially and adversely affect the cash flow of us and our ability to meet our pension obligations. Also, under the method of accounting used by us with respect to our pension obligations, we recognize into our results of operations, as a “corridor” adjustment, any unrecognized actuarial net gains or losses that exceed 10% of the larger of projected benefit obligations or plan assets. These corridor adjustments are driven mainly by changes in assumptions and by events and circumstances beyond our control, primarily changes in interest rates, performance of the financial markets, and mortality and retirement projections. A corridor adjustment, if required after a re-measurement of our pension obligations, historically has been recorded in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year. In past years, corridor adjustments have had a significant negative impact on our financial statements in the year in which a charge was recorded, although the immediate recognition of the charge in that year has the beneficial effect of reducing its impact on future years and the recognition of the corridor charge does not have any immediate impact on our cash flows.

Risk of not reaching new labor agreements on a timely basis. Most of our hourly employees are represented by various labor unions and are covered by collective bargaining agreements with expiration dates between September 2013 and October 2016. Two of those contracts are scheduled to expire in the remainder of 2013. The labor agreement with the United Steel Workers, Local 1865, which represents approximately 820 hourly employees at our Ashland Works located in Ashland, Kentucky, expires on September 1, 2013. The labor contract with the United Auto Workers, Local 3044, which represents approximately 190 hourly employees at our Rockport Works located in Rockport, Indiana, expires on September 30, 2013. We intend to negotiate with these unions to reach new, competitive labor agreements in advance of the current respective expiration dates. We cannot predict at this time, however, when new, competitive labor agreements with the unions at the Ashland Works and Rockport Works will be reached or what the impact of such agreements will be on our operating costs, operating income and cash flow. There is the potential of a work stoppage at these locations in 2013 as their respective collective bargaining agreements expire if we and the unions cannot reach a timely agreement in contract negotiations. If there were to be a work stoppage, it could have a material impact on our operations, financial results and cash flows. To the extent that we have labor contracts with unions at other locations which expire after 2013, a similar risk applies.

Risks associated with major litigation, arbitrations, environmental issues and other contingencies. We have described several significant legal and environmental proceedings in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. An adverse development or result in one or more of those contingencies or proceedings could negatively impact our financial results and cash flows.

Risks associated with environmental compliance. Due to the nature and extent of environmental issues affecting our operations and obligations, changes in application or scope of environmental regulations applicable to AK Steel could have a significant adverse impact. For example, in 2010 the United States

Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) revised the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (“NAAQS”) for nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and lead and in late 2012 promulgated a regulation lowering the NAAQS threshold for fine particulate matter. Although a variety of parties are seeking changes to, and the EPA is reevaluating certain aspects of, these new standards, if they remain in place they could require us to make significant capital expenditures to ensure compliance and could make it more difficult for us to obtain, or comply with, required permits in the future. Other adverse impacts could include, among others, costs for emission allowances, restriction of production, and higher prices for certain raw materials. These and other changes in the application or scope of environmental regulations applicable to us may adversely affect in a significant manner our operations, financial results and cash flows.

Risk associated with regulatory compliance and changes. Our business and the businesses of our customers and suppliers are subject to a wide variety of government oversight and regulation. The regulations promulgated or adopted by various government agencies, and the interpretations and application of such regulations, are dynamic and constantly evolving. To the extent new regulations arise, the application of existing regulations expands, or the interpretation of applicable regulations changes, we may incur additional costs for compliance, including capital expenditures. We may also be indirectly affected through regulatory changes impacting our customers or suppliers. Such changes could reduce the competitiveness or even the viability of our products to our customers or cause our suppliers to pass their increased costs of compliance through to us in the form of higher prices for their goods or services, which could adversely affect our operations, financial results and cash flows.

Risks associated with climate change and greenhouse gas emission limitations. The United States has not ratified the 1997 Kyoto Protocol Treaty (the “Kyoto Protocol”), and AK Steel does not produce steel in a country that has ratified that treaty. Negotiations for a treaty that would succeed the Kyoto Protocol are ongoing and it is not known yet what the terms of that successor treaty ultimately will be or if the United States will ratify it. It is possible, however, that limitations on greenhouse gas emissions may be imposed in the United States at some point in the future through federally-enacted legislation or regulation. The EPA already has issued and/or proposed regulations addressing greenhouse gas emissions, including regulations that will require reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from large sources and suppliers in the United States. Legislation previously has been introduced in the United States Congress aimed at limiting carbon emissions from companies that conduct business that is carbon-intensive. Among other potential material items, such bills could include a proposed system of carbon emission credits issued to certain companies, similar to the European Union’s existing “cap and trade” system. It is impossible at this time, however, to forecast what the final regulations and legislation, if any, will look like and the resulting effects on us. Depending upon the terms of any such regulations or legislation, however, we could suffer negative financial impact as a result of increased energy, environmental and other costs in order to comply with the limitations that would be imposed on greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, depending upon whether similar limitations are imposed globally, the regulations and/or legislation could negatively impact our ability to compete with foreign steel companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. Unless and until all of the terms of such regulation and legislation are known, however, we cannot reasonably or reliably estimate their impact on our financial condition, operating performance or ability to compete.

Risks associated with financial, credit, capital and banking markets. In the ordinary course of business, we seek to access competitive financial, credit, capital and/or banking markets. Currently, we believe we have adequate access to these markets to meet our reasonably anticipated business needs. We both provide and receive normal trade financing to and from our customers and suppliers. To the extent, if at all, access to competitive financial, credit, capital and/or banking markets by us, or our customers or suppliers, was to be impaired, our operations, financial results and cash flows could be adversely impacted.

Risk associated with our use of derivative contracts to hedge commodity pricing volatility. We use cash-settled commodity price swaps and options to hedge the market risk for a portion of our raw material and energy purchases to mitigate the risk of pricing volatility with respect to such inputs. In the event the price of an underlying commodity falls below the price at which we have hedged such

commodity, we will benefit from the lower market price for the commodity purchased, but will not realize the full benefit of the lower commodity price because of the amount that we have hedged. In certain circumstances we also could be required to provide collateral for our potential derivative liability or close our hedging transaction for the commodity. Additionally, there may be a lag in timing (particularly with respect to iron ore) between a decline in the price of a commodity underlying a derivative contract, which could cause us to make payments in the short-term to provide collateral or settle our relevant hedging transaction, and the period in which we experience the benefits of the lower cost input through our direct purchases of the commodity. Each of these risks related to our hedging transactions could adversely affect our financial results and cash flows.

Risk associated with the value of our net deferred tax assets.U.S. internal revenue laws and regulations and similar state laws applicable to us and the rates at which we are taxed have a significant effect on our financial results. For instance, we have recorded deferred tax assets, including loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets to reflect the economic benefit of tax positions that become deductible in future tax periods at the tax rate that is expected when they will be taken. Changes in tax laws or rates can materially affect the future deductible amounts related to deferred tax assets. For example, a reduction in the tax rate would decrease the amount of tax benefit to be realized in the future and result in a charge to the income statement, which would have the effect of reducing our income at the time the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of developments during the second quarter of 2012, we concluded that, from an accounting perspective we were unable to support that we would be able to realize all of the benefits of the deferred tax assets and established a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets. In addition, in determining the appropriate amount of the valuation allowance, the accounting standards allow us to consider the timing of future reversal of our taxable temporary differences and available tax strategies that, if implemented, would result in the realization of deferred tax assets. The use of a tax planning strategy involving LIFO inventory accounting will result in changes in the valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets in relation to the amount of LIFO income or expense we record and could materially affect our financial results. Thus, changes in certain tax laws, a reduction in tax rates or a reduction in the realizable value of the deferred tax assets could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and financial condition. For more detail concerning our net deferred tax assets, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, each of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Risk of inability to fully realize benefits of long-term cost savings and margin enhancement initiatives.In recent years we have undertaken several significant projects in an effort to lower our costs and enhance our margins. These include efforts to lower our costs and increase our control over certain key raw materials through a strategy of vertically integrating into approximately one half of our annual supply of such key raw materials. We intend to implement this strategy with respect to coke through our long-term contractual arrangements with SunCoke, with respect to iron ore through our investment in Magnetation, and with respect to coal through our acquisition and development of AK Coal. Other strategic initiatives to lower our costs include efforts to realize a higher utilization of our production facilities and the implementation of a strategic purchasing procurement system. We also have targeted several other areas for enhancing our profitability, including increasing our percentage of contract sales (and lowering spot market sales), producing and selling a higher-value mix of products and developing new products that can command higher prices from customers. To the extent that one or more of our significant cost-savings or margin enhancement projects is unsuccessful, or that several projects are significantly less effective in achieving the level of combined cost-savings or margin enhancement than we are anticipating, or that we do not achieve such results as quickly as anticipated, our financial results and cash flows could be adversely impacted.

Risk of lower quantities or quality of estimated coal reserves of AK Coal. We have based estimated reserve information of our wholly-owned subsidiary, AK Coal, on engineering, economic and geological data assembled and analyzed by third-party engineers and geologists, with review by and

involvement of our employees. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities and qualities of, and costs to mine, recoverable reserves, including many factors beyond our control. Estimates of economically-recoverable coal reserves necessarily depend upon a number of variables and assumptions, such as geological and mining conditions that may not be fully identified by available exploration data or that may differ from experience in current operations, historical production from the area compared with production from other similar producing areas, the assumed effects of regulation and taxes by governmental agencies and assumptions concerning coal prices, operating costs, development costs and reclamation costs, all of which may vary considerably from actual results. As a result, actual coal tonnage recovered from AK Coal’s properties and the related costs may vary materially from our estimates. In addition, actual or alleged defects in title in or the boundaries of the property that AK Coal owns or its loss of any material leasehold interests could limit or eliminate its ability to mine these properties, which may reduce the estimated reserves controlled by AK Coal or result in significant unanticipated costs to obtain the property rights to mine such reserves.

Risk of increased governmental regulation of mining activities. Our ability to realize fully the expected benefits from AK Coal and Magnetation could be materially adversely affected by increased governmental regulation of mining and related activities, including difficulties or delays in or their failure to receive, maintain, modify or comply with environmental permits required for their operations. With respect to AK Coal, the coal mining industry is subject to numerous and extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including laws and regulations pertaining to permitting and licensing requirements, air quality standards, plant and wildlife protection, reclamation and restoration of mining properties, the discharge of materials into the environment, the storage, treatment and disposal of wastes, surface subsidence from underground mining and the effects of mining on groundwater quality and availability. With respect to Magnetation, although the construction and operation of its iron ore concentrate plants require fewer environmental permits, its construction and operation of a proposed iron ore pelletizing plant will be subject to most, if not all, of the federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations previously mentioned in regards to AK Coal. The costs, liabilities and requirements associated with these laws and regulations are significant and may increase the costs of, delay or even preclude the commencement or continuation of, AK Coal’s mining activities and Magnetation’s proposed pellet plant operations.

Risk of inability to hire or retain skilled labor and experienced manufacturing and mining managers. Modern steel-making and mining uses specialized techniques and advanced equipment and requires experienced managers and skilled laborers. The manufacturing and mining industries in the United States are in the midst of a shortage of experienced managers and skilled labor. This shortage is due in large part to demographic changes, as such laborers and managers are retiring at a faster rate than replacements are entering the workforce or achieving a comparable level of experience. If we or AK Coal are unable to hire or contract sufficient experienced managers and skilled laborers, there could be an adverse impact on the productivity of these operations and the ultimate benefits to us. For example, although AK Coal has hired a senior executive and other senior managers with substantial coal mining experience to oversee its operations, additional experienced managers and labor will be necessary, whether through hiring employees or through third party contractors.

Risk of IT security threats and sophisticated computer crime.We rely upon IT systems and networks in connection with a variety of business activities. In addition, we collect and store sensitive data. We have taken, and intend to continue to take, what we believe are appropriate and reasonable steps to prevent security breaches in our systems and networks. In recent years, however, there appears to have been an increase in both the number and sophistication of IT security threats and computer crimes. These IT security threats and increasingly sophisticated computer crimes, including advanced persistent threats, pose a risk to the security of our systems and networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data. A failure of or breach in security could expose us to risks of production downtimes and operations disruptions, misuse of information or systems, or the compromising of confidential information, which in turn could adversely affect our reputation, competitive position, business and financial results.

our actual results may differ substantially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. See “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this prospectus.

Risks Relating to the Notes

Risks associated with our outstanding debt and other obligations. As of March 31, 2013, after giving effect to the issuance of the $30.0 million in aggregate principal amount of original notes on June 24, 2013, and the use of the net proceeds therefrom, we had outstanding $1,480.6 million of indebtedness (excluding net unamortized discount), which includes $380.0 million of indebtedness from the original notes and $1,100.6 million of other indebtedness, comprised of the 5.00% Exchangeable Notes due 2019 (the “Exchangeable Notes”), the 7.625% Senior Notes due May 2020 (the “2020 Notes”), the 8.375% Senior Notes due April 2022 (the “2022 Notes”) and $100.6 million of tax exempt and other financing obligations, all of which is indebtedness of AK Steel. As of March 31, 2013, our non-guarantor subsidiaries had $46.7 million of indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables, but excluding intercompany obligations and liabilities of a type not required to be reflected on a balance sheet of such subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP) to which the notes would have been structurally subordinated.

Further,

Our existing and future indebtedness may limit cash flow available to invest in the ongoing needs of our business, which could prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under the Notes.
As of December 31, 2020, on an as adjusted basis, after giving effect to the February 2021 Financing Transactions and our borrowing of Marchan additional $260 million under our ABL Facility since December 31, 2013, our additional obligations include $1.72020 in connection with the termination of ArcelorMittal USA’s accounts receivable factoring arrangement, we would have had approximately $5.4 billion of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. We expect to contribute $110.2 million to the master pension trust (having already contributed $71.3 million asindebtedness outstanding, approximately $2.8 billion of March 31, 2013) and $30.8 million to fund certain VEBA trusts in the remainder of 2013. We also expect to contribute approximately $210.0 million and $125.0 million to our pension plans in 2014 and 2015, respectively. We alsowhich would have additional contractual commitments, including the commitment as of May 31, 2013 to contribute an additional $100.0 million (in the aggregate over the next one to two years) for the second phase of our joint venture with Magnetation. At March 31, 2013, we had no outstanding borrowings and $78.2been secured indebtedness (excluding $247 million of outstanding letters of credit and $335 million of finance leases), and approximately $79 million of cash on our balance sheet. In addition, on an as adjusted basis, after giving effect to the February 2021 Financing Transactions and our borrowing of an additional $260 million under our CreditABL Facility resultingsince December 31, 2020 in remaining availabilityconnection with the termination of $874.4 million (subjectArcelorMittal USA’s accounts receivable factoring arrangement, we would have had up to customary$1.3 billion of committed borrowing conditions, includingcapacity, subject to a borrowing base). To the extent eligible collateral levels rise,base limitation and less letters of credit expected to be outstanding, under our total availability under the Credit Facility will also rise, allowing us the potential to increase the amount borrowed under the CreditABL Facility.

The amount Our level of our indebtedness and other financial obligations could have important consequences to you as a holder of the notes.you. For example, it could:

increase our vulnerabilityrequire us to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

requirededicate a substantial portion of our cash flowsflow from operations to be dedicated tothe payment of debt service, payments, reducing the amountavailability of our cash flows available for other purposes, such asflow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions joint ventures orand other general corporate purposes,

purposes;

increase our vulnerability to adverse economic or industry conditions;

limit our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, joint ventures, general corporate purposes or other purposes;

limit our planning flexibility for, or abilityto enable us to react to changes in our business and the industry; and

business;

place us at a competitive disadvantage with competitors who maycompared to businesses in our industry that have less indebtedness; or

limit our ability to pay dividends on or purchase or redeem our capital stock.
Our liquidity needs could vary significantly and may be affected by general economic conditions, industry trends, performance and many other factors not within our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to service our debt, we may be required to refinance all or a portion of our existing debt. However, we may not be able to obtain any such new or additional debt on favorable terms or at all.
Additionally, any failure to comply with covenants in the instruments governing our debt could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, would have a material adverse effect on us.
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Despite our current debt levels, we and our subsidiaries may still incur significant additional debt, and the indenture governing the Notes does not restrict our ability to engage in other transactions that may adversely affect holders of the Notes.
The indenture governing the Notes does not limit the amount of unsecured debt that we may incur and only limits the amount of secured debt that we may incur. Accordingly, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional debt, including a limited amount of secured debt, in the future. The indenture also does not prevent us from incurring certain other liabilities that do not constitute debt (as defined in the indenture). Non-Guarantor subsidiaries, which include our foreign subsidiaries and certain excluded domestic subsidiaries, may incur additional debt in accordance with the indenture, which debt (as well as other liabilities at any such subsidiary) would be structurally senior to the Notes. As of December 31, 2020, on an as adjusted basis, after giving effect to the February 2021 Financing Transactions and our borrowing of an additional $260 million under our ABL Facility since December 31, 2020 in connection with the termination of ArcelorMittal USA’s accounts receivable factoring arrangement, the non-Guarantor subsidiaries would have accounted for approximately 9% of our consolidated assets and less than 1% of our consolidated long-term debt. On an as adjusted basis, after giving effect to the February 2021 Financing Transactions and our borrowing of an additional $260 million under our ABL Facility since December 31, 2020 in connection with the termination of ArcelorMittal USA’s accounts receivable factoring arrangement, we would have had approximately $2.8 billion of secured indebtedness and other obligations or greater access to financing.

Our Credit Facility and other indebtedness includes certain covenants that restrict us. In addition, our Credit Facility requires us to maintain compliance with a fixed charge coverage ratio if our level$1.9 billion of availability under the CreditABL Facility falls belowbased on a specified threshold level. If we fail to make any required payment under our Credit Facility or other indebtedness or to comply with anymaximum borrowing base capacity of the financial or operating covenants included in such indebtedness, we would be in default. Holders of such indebtedness could then vote to accelerate the maturity of the indebtedness. Other creditors might then accelerate other indebtedness. If holders of indebtedness accelerate the maturity of that indebtedness, we cannot assure you that we will have sufficient assets to satisfy our obligations under that indebtedness and our other indebtedness, including the notes.

Our indebtedness under our Credit Facility bears interest at rates that fluctuate with changes in certain prevailing interest rates (although, subject to certain conditions, such rates may be fixed for certain periods). If interest rates increase, we may be unable to meet our debt service obligations under our Credit Facility and other indebtedness.

Risks associated with our and our subsidiaries’ ability to incur substantially more debt, which could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial leverage.

The terms of our Credit Facility and other indebtedness, including the notes, will not fully prohibit us or our subsidiaries from incurring substantial additional indebtedness in the future. Moreover, our subsidiaries may incur indebtedness or other liabilities,$3.5 billion, all of which would effectively be senior to the notes.secured indebtedness if drawn, as of December 31, 2020. If new debt or other liabilities are added to our and our subsidiaries’ current debt levels, of indebtedness, the related risks that we and theyour subsidiaries now face could intensify.

Our subsidiaries do not guarantee the notes, which may adversely affect our ability to repay the notes and result in the notes’ structural subordination to our subsidiaries’ liabilities. The notes are not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. A portion of our consolidated assets is held by our subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities. Accordingly, our ability to service our debt, including the notes, depends in part on the results of operations of our subsidiaries and upon the ability of such subsidiaries to provide us with cash, whether in the form of dividends, loans or otherwise, to pay amounts due on our obligations, including the notes. Our subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to make payments on the notes or to make any funds available for that purpose. In addition, dividends, loans or other distributions to us from such subsidiaries may be subject to contractual and other restrictions and are subject to other business considerations.

In addition, the indenture does not contain any financial covenants or other provisions that would afford the holders of the Notes any substantial protection in the event we participate in a highly leveraged transaction. The indenture also does not limit our ability to pay dividends, make distributions, repurchase our common shares or redeem our preferred shares. Any such transaction could adversely affect you.

Restrictive covenants in the indenture governing the Notes and the agreements governing our other indebtedness restrict our ability to operate our business.
The indenture governing the Notes and agreements governing our other outstanding indebtedness and indebtedness we may incur in the future contain or may contain covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things, incur additional debt, pay dividends, make investments, enter into transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate with other entities or sell all or substantially all of our assets.
For example, the restrictions in the agreements governing our other indebtedness limit our ability, among other things, to:
pay dividends on or purchase or redeem our capital stock;
incur debt;
prepay and modify certain debt;
merge, acquire other entities, enter into joint ventures and partnerships;
sell assets;
make investments in other persons;
change the nature of the business;
incur liens or encumbrances; and
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enter into certain transactions with affiliates.
Additionally, the restrictions in the indenture governing the Notes limit our ability, among other things, to: incur certain secured indebtedness; enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions; and merge, consolidate or amalgamate with another company.
As a result of these covenants and restrictions, we are limited in how we conduct our business and we may be unable to raise additional debt or equity financing to compete effectively or to take advantage of new business opportunities. The terms of any future indebtedness we may incur could include more restrictive covenants. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain compliance with these covenants in the future and, if we fail to do so, that we will be able to obtain waivers from the lenders and/or amend the covenants.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt, including the Notes, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our debt, which may not be successful.
Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations, including the Notes, and to fund planned capital expenditures and expansion efforts and any strategic alliances or acquisitions we may make in the future depends on our ability to generate cash in the future and our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. We cannot assure you that we will maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our debt, including the Notes.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our debt, including the Notes. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. These measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. If our operating results and available cash are insufficient to meet our debt service obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain the proceeds that we could realize from them, and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due. Further, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our debt on or before maturity, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our debt on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
The guarantees of the Notes provided by the Guarantors may not be enforceable and, under specific circumstances, federal and state statutes may allow courts to void the Notes guarantees and require holders of Notes to return payments received from the Guarantors.
Under federal bankruptcy law and comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer laws, a guarantee could be deemed a fraudulent transfer if the guarantor received less than a reasonably equivalent value in exchange for giving the guarantee, and one of the following is also true:
such guarantor was insolvent on the date that it gave the guarantee or became insolvent as a result of giving the guarantee;
such guarantor was engaged in business or a transaction, or was about to engage in business or a transaction, for which property remaining with the guarantor was an unreasonably small capital; or
such guarantor intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts that would be beyond the guarantor’s ability to pay as those debts matured.
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A guarantee could also be deemed a fraudulent transfer if it was given with actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud any entity to which the guarantor was or became, on or after the date the guarantee was given, indebted.
The measures of insolvency for purposes of the foregoing considerations will vary depending upon the law applied in any proceeding with respect to the foregoing. Generally, however, a guarantor or grantor would be considered insolvent if, at the time it incurred indebtedness:
the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities, is greater than all its assets, at a fair valuation;
the present fair saleable value of its assets is less than the amount that would be required to pay its probable liability with respect to its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute and mature; or
it could not pay its debts as they become due.
We cannot predict:
what standard a court would apply in order to determine whether a Guarantor was insolvent as of the date it issued a guarantee or whether, regardless of the method of valuation, a court would determine that the Guarantor was insolvent on that date; or
whether a court would determine that the payments under a guarantee would constitute fraudulent transfers or fraudulent conveyances on other grounds.
The indenture governing the Notes contains a “savings clause” intended to limit each Guarantor’s liability under its Notes guarantee to the maximum amount that it could incur without causing the Notes guarantee to be a fraudulent transfer under applicable law. We cannot assure you that this provision will be upheld as intended. For example, in 2009, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of Florida in Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of TOUSA, Inc. v. Citicorp N. Am., Inc. found this kind of provision in that case to be ineffective, and held the guarantees to be fraudulent transfers and voided them in their entirety.
If a Notes guarantee by a Guarantor is deemed to be a fraudulent transfer, it could be voided altogether, or it could be subordinated to all other debts of the Guarantor. In such case, any payment by the Guarantor pursuant to its Notes guarantee could be required to be returned to the Guarantor or to a fund for the benefit of the creditors of the Guarantor. If a Notes guarantee is voided or held unenforceable for any other reason, holders of the Notes would cease to have a claim against the Guarantor based on the Notes guarantee and would be creditors only of Cliffs and any Guarantor whose Notes guarantee was not similarly voided or otherwise held unenforceable.
In addition, enforcement of any of these guarantees against any Guarantor will be subject to certain defenses available to guarantors. These laws and defenses include those that relate to fraudulent conveyance or transfer, voidable preference, corporate purpose or benefit, preservation of share capital, thin capitalization and regulations or defenses affecting the rights of creditors generally. If one or more of these laws and defenses are applicable, a Guarantor may have no liability or decreased liability under its guarantee.
Not all of our subsidiaries guarantee the Notes, and the assets of our non-Guarantor subsidiaries may not be available to make payments on the Notes.
Not all of our subsidiaries are required to guarantee the Notes. On a pro forma basis, after giving effect to the Acquisitions, and on a continuing operations basis, our non-Guarantor subsidiaries would have accounted for 3% of our consolidated revenue and approximately 15% of our consolidated net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, on an as adjusted basis, after giving
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effect to the February 2021 Financing Transactions and our borrowing of an additional $260 million under our ABL Facility since December 31, 2020 in connection with the termination of ArcelorMittal USA’s accounts receivable factoring arrangement, our non-Guarantor subsidiaries would have accounted for approximately 9% of our consolidated assets and less than 1% of our consolidated long-term debt. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidationthat any non-Guarantor subsidiary becomes insolvent, liquidates, reorganizes, dissolves or reorganization of our subsidiaries,otherwise winds up, holders of their indebtednessits debt and theirother liabilities (including its trade creditorscreditors) generally will generally be entitled to payment ofon their claims from the assets of those subsidiariesthat subsidiary before any of those assets are made available for distribution to us. Our subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Notes are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due pursuant to the Notes or to make any funds available therefor, whether by dividends, loans, distributions or other payments. Consequently, your claims in respect of the Notes will be effectively subordinated to all of the liabilities of our non-Guarantor subsidiaries, including trade payables, and any claims of third-party holders of preferred equity interests, if any, in our non-Guarantor subsidiaries.
Our non-Guarantor subsidiaries may incur obligations that will constrain the ability of our subsidiaries to provide us with cash, which may affect our ability to make payments on our indebtedness, including the Notes.
Our cash flows and our ability to service our debt, including our ability to pay the interest on and principal of the Notes when due, will be dependent upon cash dividends and other distributions or other transfers from our subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries may not be able to, or may not be permitted to, make distributions to enable us to make payments in respect of our indebtedness, including the Notes. Each subsidiary is a distinct legal entity and, under certain circumstances, legal and contractual restrictions may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries. Dividends, loans and advances to us from our non-Guarantor subsidiaries may be restricted by covenants in certain debt agreements. Additionally, to the extent our cash is held outside of the United States, repatriation of such cash could be negatively impacted by potential foreign and domestic taxes. If our non-Guarantor subsidiaries incur obligations with these restrictive covenants, it will constrain the ability of our non-Guarantor subsidiaries to provide us with cash, which may affect our ability to make payments on the Notes. In the event that we do not receive distributions from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to make required principal and interest payments on our indebtedness, including the Notes.
We may not be able to repurchase the Notes upon a change of bankruptcycontrol triggering event.
Upon a change of control triggering event, as defined under the indenture governing the Notes, the holders of Notes will have the right to require us to offer to repurchase all of the Notes then outstanding at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the repurchase date. The source of funds for any such repurchase of the Notes will be our available cash or liquidation, nonecash generated from operations or other sources, including borrowings, sales of assets or sales of equity. We may not be able to repurchase the Notes upon a change of control triggering event because we may not have sufficient financial resources, including the ability to arrange necessary financing on acceptable terms or at all, to repurchase all of the Notes that are tendered upon a change of control triggering event. Our failure to offer to repurchase all outstanding Notes or to purchase all validly tendered Notes would be an event of default under the indenture. Such an event of default may cause the acceleration of our other debt. Our other debt also may contain restrictions on repayment requirements with respect to specified events or transactions that constitute a change of control under the indenture governing the Notes, which may further limit our ability to purchase all outstanding Notes upon a change of control triggering event.
Investors may not be able to determine when a change of control giving rise to their right to have the Notes repurchased by us has occurred following a sale of “substantially all” of our assets.
Specific kinds of change of control events require us to make an offer to repurchase all outstanding Notes. The definition of “change of control” under the indenture governing the Notes includes a clause relating to the sale, lease or transfer of “all or substantially all” of the assets of Cliffs and its
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subsidiaries, taken as a whole. There is no precise established definition of the phrase “substantially all” under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of Notes to require us to repurchase such Notes as a result of a sale, lease or transfer of less than all of the assets of Cliffs and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to another individual, group or entity may be uncertain.
An active trading market for the Exchange Notes may not develop.
There is no existing market for the Exchange Notes and we do not intend to apply for listing of the Exchange Notes on any securities exchange or any automated quotation system. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a trading market for the Exchange Notes will ever develop or will be maintained. Further, there can be no assurance as to the liquidity of any market that may develop for the Exchange Notes, your ability to sell your Exchange Notes or the price at which you will be able to sell your Exchange Notes. Future trading prices of the Exchange Notes will depend on many factors, including prevailing interest rates, our consolidated variable interest entitiesfinancial condition and results of operations, the then-current ratings assigned to the Exchange Notes and the market for similar debt securities. Any trading market that develops would be availableaffected by many factors independent of and in addition to the foregoing, including:
the time remaining to the maturity of the Exchange Notes;
the outstanding amount of the Exchange Notes;
the terms related to optional redemption of the Exchange Notes; and
the level, direction and volatility of market interest rates generally.
If you fail to exchange your Original Notes, they will continue to be restricted securities and will likely become less liquid.
Original Notes that you do not tender, or we do not accept, will, following the Exchange Offer, continue to be restricted securities, and you may not offer to sell them except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. We will issue Exchange Notes in exchange for distributionsOriginal Notes pursuant to us. AK Steel’s subsidiariesthe Exchange Offer only following the satisfaction of the procedures and consolidated variable interest entities, noneconditions set forth in “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes” and “The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer.” These procedures and conditions include timely receipt by the exchange agent of whoma confirmation of book-entry transfer of the Original Notes being tendered and an agent’s message from DTC.
Because we anticipate that all or substantially all holders of Original Notes will guaranteeelect to exchange their Original Notes in the notes, generated approximately 15.8%Exchange Offer, we expect that the market for any Original Notes remaining after the completion of the Exchange Offer will be substantially limited. Any Original Notes tendered and 15.3%exchanged in the Exchange Offer will reduce the aggregate principal amount of our consolidated revenuesthe Original Notes outstanding. If you do not tender your Original Notes, following the Exchange Offer, you generally will not have any further registration rights, and your Original Notes will continue to be subject to certain transfer restrictions. Accordingly, the liquidity of the market for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and year ended December 31, 2012, respectively. As of March 31, 2013, our non-guarantor subsidiaries had $46.7 million of indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables, but excluding intercompany obligations and liabilities of a type not requiredOriginal Notes is likely to be reflected on a balance sheetadversely affected.
We may choose to redeem the Notes prior to maturity.
We may redeem some or all of such subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP) to which the notes would have been structurally subordinated.

The instruments governing our debt contain cross default provisions that may cause all of the debt issued under such instruments to become immediately due and payable as a result of a default under an unrelated debt instrument. The indentures governing these notes and our Exchangeable Notes, 2020 Notes and 2022 Notes and our Credit Facility contain numerous covenants, and our Credit Facility requires the maintenance of a certain minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. Our failure to comply with the obligations contained in the instruments governing our indebtedness could result in an event of default under the applicable instrument, which could result in the related debt becoming immediately due and payable and could further result in a cross default and thereby cross acceleration of our debt issued under other instruments, including the indenture governing the notes. In such event, we would need to raise funds from alternative sources, which funds may not be available to us on favorable terms, on a timely basis or at all. Alternatively, such a default could require us to sell our assets and otherwise curtail our operations in order to pay our creditors. Such alternative measures could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risk of our cash flows proving inadequate to service our debt and provide for our other obligations, which may require us to refinance all or a portion of our existing debt or future debt at terms unfavorable to us. Our ability to make payments on and refinance our indebtedness, including our Credit Facility and the notes,

and other financial obligations, and to fund our capital expenditures, joint ventures and acquisitions will depend on our ability to generate substantial operating cash flow. This will depend on our future performance, which will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors beyond our control. Our Credit Facility and $1.3 million of tax-exempt and other financing obligations have earlier maturity dates than that of the notes, and we will be required to repay or refinance such indebtedness prior to when the notes come due. In addition, upon conversion of the Exchangeable Notes (which may occur prior to maturity of the notes if certain conditions are satisfied), we will repay the principal amount of such notes in cash. If our cash flows were to prove inadequate to meet our debt service and other obligations in the future, we may be required to refinance all or a portion of our existing or future debt, including the notes, on or before maturity, to sell assets or to obtain additional financing. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, including our Credit Facility, the Exchangeable Notes, the 2020 Notes, the 2022 Notes, our tax-exempt and other financing obligations or the notes, sell any such assets or obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

Risks associated with the limited covenants in the indenture governing the notes. The indenture governing the notes contains limited covenants, including those restricting our ability and our subsidiaries’ ability to create certain liens, incur certain debt, pledge or sell Notes Collateral and enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions. The limitation on liens, limitation on subsidiary debt and limitation on sale and leaseback covenants contain exceptions that will allow us and our subsidiaries to incur liens with respect to material assets. See “Description of the Registered Notes—Certain Covenants.” In light of these exceptions, holders of the notes may be structurally or contractually subordinated to new lenders.

Risks associated with change of control provisions in the indentures governing our debt and our Credit Facility.The indenture governing the notes, as well as the indenture governing the 2022 Notes and the 2022 Notes, require that, upon the occurrence of a “change of control repurchase event,” as such term is defined in the indenture, we must make an offer to repurchase the notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. Further, upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture governing the Exchangeable Notes (which, for example, would include various transactions pursuant to which AK Holding would undergo a change of control), holders may require AK Steel to repurchase the Exchangeable Notes in whole or in part for cash at a price equal to par plus any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, upon the occurrence of a “make-whole fundamental change,” as defined in the indenture governing the Exchangeable Notes, prior to the maturity date, in addition to requiring AK Steel to repurchase the Exchangeable Notes in whole or in part for cash at a price equal to par plus any accrued and unpaid interest, the exchange rate will be increased in certain circumstances for a holder who elects to exchange its Exchangeable Notes in connection with such event. Certain events involving a change of control will result in an event of default under our Credit Facility and may result in an event of default under other indebtedness that we may incur in the future. An event of default under our Credit Facility or other indebtedness could result in an acceleration of such indebtedness. See “Description of the Registered Notes—Change of Control.” The acceleration of indebtedness and our inability to repurchase all the tendered notes could constitute events of default under the indenture governing the notes. No assurance can be given that we will have sufficient funds to repay any debt which is accelerated or any notes which are tendered as a result of a change of control.

You may not be able to determine when a change of control has occurred and may not be able to require us to purchase notes as a result thereof. The definition of change of control includes a phrase relating to the sale, lease or transfer of “all or substantially all” of our assets. There is no precisely established definition of the phrase “substantially all” under applicable law. Accordingly, your ability to require us to repurchase your notes as a result of a sale, lease or transfer of less than all of our assets to another individual, group or entity may be uncertain.

In addition, a Delaware Chancery Court decision found that incumbent directorsNotes at any time. See “Description of the Notes—Optional Redemption.” If prevailing interest rates are permitted to approve as a continuing director any person, including one nominated by a dissident stockholder and

not recommended bylower at the board, as long as the approval is granted in good faith and in accordance with the board’s fiduciary duties. Accordingly,time of redemption, you may not be able to require us to purchase your notesreinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security at an interest rate as high as the interest rate of the Notes being redeemed.

An increase in market interest rates could result in a result of a changedecrease in the compositionvalue of the directors onNotes.
In general, as market interest rates rise, notes bearing interest at a fixed rate decline in value because the premium, if any, over market interest rates will decline. Consequently, if market interest rates
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increase, the market value of your Notes may decline. We cannot predict the future level of market interest rates.
Changes in credit ratings issued by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations could adversely affect our board unlesscost of financing and the market price of our securities.
Credit rating agencies could downgrade our ratings either due to factors specific to our business, a court were to find that such approval was not granted in good faith or violated the board’s fiduciary duties. The court also observed that certain provisions in indentures, such as continuing director provisions, could function to entrench an incumbent board of directors and could raise enforcement concerns if adopted in violation of a board’s fiduciary duties. If such a provision were found unenforceable, you would not be able to require us to purchase your notes upon a change of control resulting from a changeprolonged cyclical downturn in the compositionsteel and mining industries, or macroeconomic trends (such as global or regional recessions) and trends in credit and capital markets more generally. Any decline in our credit ratings would likely result in an increase to our cost of financing, limit our access to the capital markets, significantly harm our financial condition and results of operations, hinder our ability to refinance existing indebtedness on acceptable terms and have an adverse effect on the market price of our board. See “Descriptionsecurities.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
The Exchange Offer is intended to satisfy our obligation under the registration rights agreement relating to the Original Notes. We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the Registered Notes—ChangeExchange Notes. The terms of Control.”

Lenders under our Credit Facility, which is secured by a first priority lien on our inventory and accounts receivable have rights senior to the rights of the holders of the notes with respect to the ABL Collateral. Obligations under our Credit Facility are, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, secured by a first-priority lien on certain of our accounts receivables and inventory. The notes and AK Holding’s guarantee will not be secured by a lien on the ABL Collateral. Any rights to payment and claims by the holders of the notes will, therefore, be effectively junior to any rights to payment or claims by our creditors under our Credit Facility with respect to distributions of the ABL Collateral. Only when our obligations under the ABL Facility are satisfied in full will the proceeds of these assets be available, subject to other permitted liens, to satisfy obligations under the notes and AK Holding’s guarantee. The notes will also be effectively junior in right of payment to any other indebtedness collateralized by a higher-priority lien on our assets, to the extent of the realizable value of such collateral.

The proceeds from the sale of the collateral securing the notes may not be sufficient to satisfy all our obligations under the notes.No appraisal of the fair market value of the collateral has been made in connection with this offering and the value of the collateral at any time will depend on market and other economic conditions, including the availability of suitable buyers for the collateral. By its nature, some or all of the collateral may be illiquid and may have no readily ascertainable market value. The value of the assets pledged as collateral for the notes could be impaired in the future as a result of changing economic conditions, competition or other future trends. In the event of a foreclosure, liquidation, bankruptcy or similar proceeding, no assurance can be given that the proceeds from any sale or liquidation of the collateral will be sufficient to pay our obligations under the notes, in full or at all. There also can be no assurance that the collateral will be saleable and, even if saleable, the timing of its liquidation would be uncertain. To the extent that liens, rights or easements granted to third parties encumber our assets, such third parties have or may exercise rights and remedies with respect to the property subject to such liens that could adversely affect the value of the collateral and the ability of the collateral agent to foreclose on the collateral. In addition, we may not have liens perfected on all of the collateral securing the notes prior to the closing of this offering. There may not be sufficient collateral to pay all or any of the amounts due on the notes. Any claim for the difference between the amount, if any, realized by holders of the notes from the sale of the collateral securing the notes and the obligations under the notes will rank equally in right of payment with all of our other unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness and other obligations, including the 2020 Notes, the 2022 Notes, the Exchangeable Notes and trade payables. The indenture permits us to incur additional indebtedness secured by a lien that ranks equally with the notes. Any such indebtedness may further limit the recovery from the realization of the value of such collateral available to satisfy holders of the notes.

State law may limit the ability of the collateral agent, on behalf of the trustee and the holders of the notes, to foreclose on the real property and improvements included in the collateral.The notes are secured by, among other things, liens on owned real property and improvements located in the States of Ohio and Indiana and the Commonwealths of Kentucky and Pennsylvania. The laws of those states may limit the ability of the collateral agent, on behalf of the trustee and the holders of the notes, to foreclose on the improved real property collateral located in those states. Laws of those states govern

the perfection, enforceability and foreclosure of mortgage liens against real property interests which secure debt obligations such as the notes. These laws may impose procedural requirements for foreclosure different from and necessitating a longer time period for completion than the requirements for foreclosure of security interests in personal property. Debtors may have the right to reinstate defaulted debt (even it is has been accelerated) before the foreclosure date by paying the past due amounts and a right of redemption after foreclosure. Governing laws may also impose security first and one form of action rules which can affect the ability to foreclose or the timing of foreclosure on real and personal property collateral regardless of the location of the collateral and may limit the right to recover a deficiency following a foreclosure. The holders of the notes, the trustee and the collateral agent also may be limited in their ability to enforce a breach of the “no liens” covenant. Some decisions of state courts have placed limits on a lender’s ability to accelerate debt secured by real property upon breach of covenants prohibiting the creation of certain junior liens or leasehold estates may need to demonstrate that enforcement is reasonably necessary to protect against impairment of the lender’s security or to protect against an increased risk of default. Although the foregoing court decisions may have been preempted, at least in part, by certain federal laws, the scope of such preemption, if any, is uncertain. Accordingly, a court could prevent the trustee and the holders of the notes from declaring a default and accelerating the notes by reason of a breach of this covenant, which could have a material adverse effect on the ability of holders to enforce the covenant.

Certain laws and regulations may impose restrictions or limitations on foreclosure.Our obligations under the notes are secured only by the collateral described in this prospectus. The trustee’s ability to foreclose on the collateral on your behalf may be subject to perfection, priority issues, state law requirements and practical problems associated with the realization of the trustee’s security interest or lien in the collateral, including cure rights, foreclosing on the collateral within the time periods permitted by third parties or prescribed by laws, obtaining third party consents, making additional filings, statutory rights of redemption and the effect of the order of foreclosure. We cannot assure you that the consents of any third parties and approvals by governmental entities will be given when required to facilitate a foreclosure on such assets. Therefore, we cannot assure you that foreclosure on the collateral will be sufficient to make all payments on the notes. In addition, our business requires numerous registrations, licenses and permits. Continued operation of our steelmaking and finishing plants that are significant to the value of the collateral for the notes depends on the maintenance of such registrations, licenses and permits. Our business is subject to substantial regulation and registration, license and permit requirements and may be adversely affected if we are unable to comply with existing regulations or requirements or changes in applicable regulations or requirements. In the event of foreclosure, the transfer of such registrations, licenses and permits may be prohibited and may require us to incur significant cost and expense. Further, we cannot assure you that the applicable governmental authorities will consent to the transfer of such registrations, licenses and permits. If the regulatory approvals required for such transfers are not obtained or are delayed, the foreclosure may be delayed, a temporary shutdown of operations may result and the value of the collateral may be significantly decreased.

Federal, state and local environmental laws may decrease the value of the collateral securing the notes and may result in you being liable for environmental cleanup costs at our facilities. The notes are secured by liens on real property that may be subject to both known and unknown environmental risks, and these risks may reduce or eliminate the value of the real property pledged as collateral for the notes and the guarantees. Moreover, under some federal and state environmental laws, a secured lender may in some situations become subject to its debtor’s environmental liabilities, including liabilities arising out of contamination at or from the debtor’s properties. Such liability can arise before foreclosure, if the secured lender becomes sufficiently involved in the management of the affected facility. Similarly, when a secured lender forecloses and takes title to a contaminated facility or property, the lender could become subject to such liabilities. Before taking some actions, the collateral agent for the notes may request that you provide for its reimbursement for any of its costs, expenses and liabilities. Cleanup costs could become a liability of the collateral agent for the notes, and, if you

agree to provide for the collateral agent’s costs, expenses and liabilities, you could be required to help repay those costs. You may agree to indemnify the collateral agent for the notes for its costs, expenses and liabilities before you or the collateral agent knows what those amounts ultimately will be. If you agree to this indemnification without sufficient limitations, you could be required to pay the collateral agent an amount that is greater than the amount you paid for the notes. In addition, rather than acting through the collateral agent, you may in some circumstances act directly to pursue a remedy under the indenture. If you exercise that right, you could be considered to be a lender and be subject to the risks discussed above.

Rights of holders of the notes in the collateral may be adversely affected by bankruptcy proceedings.The right of the collateral agent for the notes to repossess and dispose of the collateral securing the notes upon the occurrence of an event of default is likely to be significantly impaired by federal bankruptcy law if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced by or against AK Steel prior to, or possibly even after, the collateral agent has repossessed and disposed of the collateral. Upon the commencement of a case for relief under Title 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, a secured creditor, such as the collateral agent for the notes, is prohibited from repossessing its security from a debtor in a bankruptcy case, or from disposing of its security repossessed from a debtor, without bankruptcy court approval. Moreover, the U.S. Bankruptcy Code permits the debtor to continue to retain and to use collateral and the proceeds, products, rents or profits of the collateral, even though the debtor is in default under the applicable debt instruments, provided that the secured creditor is given “adequate protection.” The meaning of the term “adequate protection” may vary according to circumstances, but it is intended in general to protect the value of the secured creditor’s interest in the collateral and may include cash payments or the granting of additional security, if and at such time as the court in its discretion determines, for any diminution in the value of the collateral as a result of the stay of repossession or disposition or any use of the collateral by the debtor during the pendency of the bankruptcy case. In view of the broad discretionary powers of a bankruptcy court, it is impossible to predict how long payments under the notes could be delayed following commencement of a bankruptcy case, whether or when the collateral agent would repossess or dispose of the collateral, or whether or to what extent holders of the notes would be compensated for any delay in payment of loss of value of the collateral through the requirements of “adequate protection.” Furthermore, in the event the bankruptcy court determines that the value of the collateral is not sufficient to repay all amounts due on the notes, the indebtedness under the notes would be “undersecured” and the holders of the notes would have unsecured claims as to the difference. Federal bankruptcy laws do not permit the payment or accrual of interest, costs and attorneys’ fees on undersecured indebtedness during the debtor’s bankruptcy case.

The collateral is subject to casualty risks. We intend to maintain insurance or otherwise insure against hazards in a manner appropriate and customary for our business. There are, however, certain losses that may be either uninsurable or not economically insurable, in whole or in part. Insurance proceeds may not compensate us fully for our losses. If there is a complete or partial loss of any of the pledged collateral, the insurance proceeds may not be sufficient to satisfy all of the secured obligations, including the notes and the guarantees.

Absent the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under the indenture governing the notes, we have control over the collateral, and the sale of particular assets by us could reduce the pool of assets securing the notes. Absent the occurrence and continuance of any event of default under the indenture governing the notes, the indenture and the security documents relating to the collateral allow us to remain in possession of, retain exclusive control over, freely operate, and collect, invest and dispose of any income from, the collateral securing the notes. In addition, subject to the terms of the indenture governing the notes, the sale of particular assets by us could reduce the pool of assets securing the notes.

There are circumstances other than repayment, defeasance or discharge of the notes under which the collateral securing the notes will be released automatically without your consent or the consentof thetrusteeor collateral agent.Under various circumstances, collateral securing the notes will be released automatically, including a sale, transfer or other disposal of such collateral in a transaction not prohibited under the indenture governing the notes.

Any future pledge of collateral might be avoidable in bankruptcy.Any future pledge of collateral in favor of the collateral agent for its benefit and for the benefit of the trustee and the holders of the notes, including pursuant to mortgages and other security documents delivered after the date of the indenture governing the notes, might be avoidable by the pledgor (as debtor in possession) or by its trustee in bankruptcy if certain events or circumstances exist or occur, including if the pledgor is insolvent at the time of the pledge, the pledge permits the holders of the notes to receive a greater recovery than they would have received in a hypothetical liquidation under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code if the pledge had not been given and a bankruptcy proceeding in respect of the pledgor is commenced within 90 days following the pledge, or, in certain circumstances, a longer period. To the extent that the grant of any such mortgage or other security interest is avoided as a preference, you would lose the benefit of the collateral pledged pursuant to such mortgage or security document.

There is no public trading market for the notes. The notes are a new issue of securities for which there is currently no established trading market. The initial offering price depends on many factors, including prevailing interest rates, our results of operations and financial condition, political and economic developments and the market for similar securities.

Risks Relatingthe Exchange Notes will be identical in all material respects to the form and terms of the Original Notes, except for the transfer restrictions and registration rights and related additional interest provisions relating to the Original Notes that will not apply to the Exchange Offer

Your original notes will not be accepted for exchange if you fail to follow the exchange offer procedures.We will not accept your original notes for exchange if you do not follow the exchange offer procedures. We will issue registered notes as part of this exchange offer only after a timely receipt of your original notes, a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal and all other required documents. Therefore, if you wish to tender your original notes, please allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery. If we do not receive your original notes, letter of transmittal and other required documents by the time of expiration of the exchange offer, we will not accept your original notes for exchange. We are under no duty to give notification of defects or irregularities with respect to the tenders of original notes for exchange. If there are defects or irregularities with respect to your tender of original notes, we will not accept your original notes for exchange.

If you do not exchange your original notes, there will be restrictions on your ability to resell your original notes.Following the exchange offer, original notes that you do not tender or that we do not accept will be subject to transfer restrictions. Absent registration, any untendered original notes may therefore be offered or sold only in transactions that are not subject to, or that are exempt from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

An active trading market may not develop for these notes.The registered notes are a new issue of securities, and there is no established trading market for the registered notes. We do not intend to apply to list the notes for trading on any securities exchange or to arrange for quotation on any automated dealer quotation system. As a result of this and the other factors listed below, an active trading market for the registered notes may not develop, in which case the market price and liquidity of the registered notes may be adversely affected. In addition, you may not be able to sell your registered notes at a particular time or at a price favorable to you. Future trading prices of the registered notes will depend on many factors, including prevailing interest rates, our results of operations and financial condition, political and economic developments, the market for similar securities, the other factors described in this prospectus under “Risk Factors.” It is possible that the market for the registered notes will be subject to disruptions. A disruption may have a negative effect on you as a holder of the registered notes, regardless of our prospects or performance.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table sets forth information regarding our ratio of earnings to fixed chargesNotes. In consideration for issuing the historical periods shown. For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of income from continuing operations before income taxes with applicable adjustments. Fixed charges consist of capitalized interest credit, interest factorExchange Notes as contemplated in rent expense and other interest and fixed charges.

Three months

ended

March 31, 2013

  Year Ended December 31,
  2012 2011 2010 2009 2008

NM*

  NM* NM* NM* NM* NM*

*For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008, earnings were less than fixed charges by $7.2 million, $252.1 million, $243.6 million, $172.3 million, $95.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

THE EXCHANGE OFFER

Purpose and Effect

AK Steel issued $350.0 millionthis prospectus, we will receive, in aggregateexchange, an equal principal amount of original notes on the Original Issue DateNotes. The Original Notes surrendered in exchange for the Exchange Notes will be retired and an additional $30.0 million in aggregate principal amount of original notes on the Add-On Issue Date, in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act. In connection with eachcannot be reissued.

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THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Purpose of the issuances, AK Steel and AK Holding entered into a registration rights agreement. The registration rights agreements require that we file a registration statement underExchange Offer
We are making the Securities Act with respectExchange Offer to the registered notes to be issued in the exchange offer and, upon the effectiveness of the registration statement, offer to you the opportunity to exchange your original notes for a like principal amount of registered notes. Except as set forth below, these registered notes will be issued without a restrictive legend and, we believe, may be reoffered and resold by you without registration under the Securities Act. After we complete the exchange offer,satisfy our obligations with respect to the registration of the original notes and the registered notes will terminate, except as provided in the last paragraph of this section. Copies of each ofunder the registration rights agreements have been filed as exhibitsagreement entered into in connection with the offering of the Original Notes.
Terms of the Exchange Offer
We are offering to exchange, upon the terms and subject to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Notwithstanding anything to the contraryconditions set forth in this prospectus this exchange offerand in the accompanying letter of transmittal, Exchange Notes for an equal principal amount of Original Notes. The terms of the Exchange Notes will be substantially identical in all material respects to those of the Original Notes, except for the transfer restrictions and registration rights and related additional interest provisions relating to the Original Notes that will not apply to the Exchange Notes. The Exchange Notes will be part of the same series as the Original Notes. The Exchange Notes will be entitled to the benefits of the indenture under which the Original Notes were issued. See “Description of the Notes.”
The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of Original Notes being made to you, and you may not participatetendered or accepted for exchange. As of March 12, 2021, there was $73,298,000 aggregate principal amount of Original Notes outstanding. Original Notes tendered in the exchange offer, if (a) you are ourExchange Offer must be in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
Based on certain interpretive letters issued by the staff of the SEC to third parties in unrelated transactions, holders of Original Notes, except any holder who is an “affiliate” of ours within the meaning of Rule 405 ofunder the Securities Act, or (b) you are a broker- dealer that acquired original notes directly from us. We will not be requiredwho exchange their Original Notes for Exchange Notes pursuant to pay any liquidated damages, assuming:

we have exchanged the registered notes forExchange Offer generally may offer the original notes within 400 days of the Original Issue Date; and

if we are required to file a shelf registration statement, such shelf registration statement is declared effective by the SEC within 120 days of the date such filing obligation arises.

Based on interpretations by the staff of the SEC set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties unrelated to us, we believe that registered notes to be issued to you in the exchange offer may be offeredExchange Notes for resale, resoldresell the Exchange Notes and otherwise transferred by you,transfer the Exchange Notes without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, unless you are a broker-dealerprovided that receives registered notes in exchange for original notes acquired by you as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. This interpretation, however, is based on your representation to us that:

(1) the registered notes to be issued to you in the exchange offerExchange Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of your business;

(2) at the time of the commencement of the exchange offer youholders’ businesses and such holders are not participating in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the registered notes to be issued to you in the exchange offer in violation of the Securities Act;

(3) you are not an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act) of us;

(4) if you are a broker-dealer, you are not engaging in, and do not intend to engage in, a distribution of the registered notes to be issued to you in the exchange offer;

(5) if you are a participatingExchange Notes.

Each broker-dealer that will receive registered notesreceives Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Original Notes, where the original notes that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the registered notes; and

(6) you are not acting on behalf of any persons or entities who could not truthfully make the foregoing representations.

If you have any of the disqualifications described above or cannot make each of the representations set forth above, you may not rely on the interpretations by the staff of the SEC referred to above. Under those circumstances, you must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a sale, transfer or other disposition of any notes unless you are able to utilize an applicable

exemption from all of those requirements. In addition, each broker-dealer that receives registered notes in the exchange offer for its own account in exchange for original notes thatOriginal Notes were acquired by the broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resalesresale of those registered notes. Seethe Exchange Notes as described in “Plan of Distribution.”

If you will In addition, to comply with the securities laws of individual jurisdictions, if applicable, the Exchange Notes may not receive freely tradablebe offered or sold unless they have been registered notesor qualified for sale in the exchange offerjurisdiction or are not eligible to participate in the exchange offer, you can elect, by indicating on the letter of transmittalan exemption from registration or qualification is available and providing additional necessary information, tocomplied with. We have your original notes registered in a “shelf” registration statement on an appropriate form pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act. If we are obligated to file a shelf registration statement, we will be required to use our commercially reasonable efforts to keep the shelf registration statement effective for a period of two years following the date of issuance of original notes or such shorter period that will terminate when:

(1) all of the original notes covered by the shelf registration statement have been soldagreed, pursuant to the shelf registration statement;

(2) all ofrights agreement, to file with the original notes have been exchanged pursuant to the exchange offer;

(3) all of the original notes covered by the shelfSEC a registration statement cease to be outstanding for purposes of the indenture governing the notes; or

(4)(of which this prospectus forms a subsequent shelf registration statement covering all of the original notes covered by and not sold under the initial shelf registration statement or earlier subsequent registration statement has been declared effective under the Securities Act.

Other than as set forth in this paragraph, you will not have the right to require us to register your original notes under the Securities Act. See “—Procedures for Tendering” below.

In certain circumstances set forth in the registration rights agreements, including if the exchange offer is not consummated (or, if required, the shelf registration statement is not declared effective) within the requisite time periods as specified in the registration rights agreements (each, a “Target Registration Date”), the annual interest rate borne by the notes will be increased by 0.25% per annum,part) with respect to the first 90 days after the applicable Target Registration Date, and, if theExchange Notes. If you do not exchange offer is not completed (or, if required, the shelf registration statement is not declared effective) priorOriginal Notes for Exchange Notes pursuant to the end of each 90-day period thereafter, the interest rate borne by the notes will increase by an additional 0.25% per annum up to a maximum increase for all such registration defaults of 1.00% per annum, in each case until the exchange offer is completed or the shelf registration statement is declared effective.

Consequences of Failure to Exchange

After we complete the exchange offer, if you have not tendered Offer, your original notes, you will not have any further registration rights, except as set forth above. Your original notesOriginal Notes will continue to be subject to restrictions on transfer. Therefore, the liquidity

If any holder of the market for your original notes could be adversely affected upon completionOriginal Notes is an affiliate of the exchange offer if you do notours, is engaged in or intends to engage in or has any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the exchange offer.

Upondistribution of the termsExchange Notes to be acquired in the Exchange Offer, the holder would not be able to rely on the applicable interpretations of the SEC and would be required to comply with the registration requirements of the Securities Act, except for resales made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirement of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

Expiration Date; Extensions; Termination; Amendments
The Exchange Offer expires on the Expiration Date, which is 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                , 2021 unless we, in our sole discretion, extend the period during which the Exchange Offer is open.
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We reserve the right to extend the Exchange Offer at any time and from time to time prior to the Expiration Date by giving written notice to U.S. Bank National Association, the exchange agent, and by public announcement communicated by no later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the next business day following the previously scheduled Expiration Date, unless otherwise required by applicable law or regulation, by making a release to Business Wire or other wire service. During any extension of the Exchange Offer, all Original Notes previously tendered will remain subject to the Exchange Offer and may be accepted for exchange by us.
The Exchange Date will promptly follow the Expiration Date. We expressly reserve the right to:
extend the Exchange Offer, delay acceptance of Original Notes due to an extension of the Exchange Offer or terminate the Exchange Offer and not accept for exchange any Original Notes for any reason, including if any of the conditions set forth under “—Conditions to the Exchange Offer” shall not have occurred and shall not have been waived by us; and
amend the terms of the Exchange Offer in this prospectusany manner, whether before or after any tender of the Original Notes.
If any termination or material amendment occurs, we will notify the exchange agent in writing and will either issue a press release or give written notice to the holders of the Original Notes as promptly as practicable. Additionally, in the letterevent of transmittal,a material amendment or change in the Exchange Offer, which would include any waiver of a material condition thereof, we will accept any and all original notes validly tendered and not withdrawnextend the offer period, if necessary, so that at least five business days remain in the Exchange Offer following notice of the material amendment or change, as applicable.
Unless we terminate the Exchange Offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. WeExpiration Date, we will issue $1,000 principal amount of registered notesto the exchange agent Exchange Notes in exchange for each $1,000 principal amount of original notesOriginal Notes validly tendered, not validly withdrawn and accepted infor exchange promptly after the Expiration Date. Any Original Notes not accepted for exchange offer. However, no note of $2,000 in principal amount or less shall be exchanged in part. You may tender some or all of your original notes pursuant to the exchange offer. However, original notes may be tendered only in integral multiples of $1,000 principal amount.

The form and terms of the registered notes are substantially the same as the form and terms of the original notes, except that the registered notes to be issued in the exchange offer have been registered under the Securities

Act and will not bear legends restricting their transfer. The registered notesfor any reason will be issued pursuant to, and entitled to the benefits of, the indenture. The indenture also governs the original notes. The registered notes and the original notes will be deemed a single issue of notes under the indenture.

As of the date of this prospectus, $380.0 million in aggregate principal amount of original notes were outstanding. This prospectus, together with the letter of transmittal, is being sent to all registered holders and to others believed to have beneficial interests in the original notes. You do not have any appraisal or dissenters’ rights in connection with the exchange offer under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) or the indenture. We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated under the Exchange Act.

We will be deemed to have accepted validly tendered original notes when, as, and if we have given oral or written notice of our acceptance to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as our agent for the tendering holders for the purpose of receiving the registered notes from us. If we do not accept any tendered notes because of an invalid tender, the occurrence of other events set forth in this prospectus or otherwise, we will return certificates for any unaccepted original notes,returned without expense to the tendering holder as promptly as practicable after expiration or termination of the expiration date.

YouExchange Offer. See “—Acceptance of Original Notes for Exchange; Delivery of Exchange Notes.”

This prospectus and the accompanying letter of transmittal and other relevant materials will not be requiredmailed or sent by us to pay brokerage commissionsrecord holders of Original Notes and will be furnished to brokers, banks and similar persons whose names, or fees or, except as set forth below under “—Transfer Taxes,” transfer taxes with respectthe names of whose nominees, appear on the lists of holders for subsequent transmittal to the exchangebeneficial owners of your original notesOriginal Notes.
Procedures for Tendering Original Notes
To participate in the exchange offer. We will pay all charges and expenses, other than applicable taxes, in connection with the exchange offer. See “—Fees and Expenses” below.

Expiration Date; Amendments

The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on     , 2013, unless we determine, in our sole discretion, to extend the exchange offer, in which case, it will expire at the later date and time to which it is extended. We do not intend to extend the exchange offer, although we reserve the right to do so. If we determine to extend the exchange offer, we do not intend to extend it beyond     , 2013. If we extend the exchange offer, we will give oral or written notice of the extensionExchange Offer, you must properly tender your Original Notes to the exchange agent as described below. We will only issue the Exchange Notes in exchange for the Original Notes that you timely and give each registered holder notice by means of a press release or other public announcement of any extension priorproperly tender. Therefore, you should allow sufficient time to 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the scheduled expiration date.

We also reserve the right, in our sole discretion,

(1) subject to applicable law, to extend the exchange offer and delay accepting any original notes or, if anyensure timely delivery of the conditions set forth below under “—Conditions” have not been satisfied or waived, to terminate the exchange offer by giving oral or written notice of the delay or termination to the exchange agent, or

(2) to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner, by complying with Rule 14e-1(d) under the Exchange Act to the extent that rule applies. If we make any material amendment to the terms of the exchange offer or waive any material condition, we will keep the exchange offer open for at least five business days after we notify you of such change or waiver. If we make a material change to the terms of the exchange offer, it may be necessary for us to provide you with an amendment to this prospectus reflecting that change. We may only delay, terminate or amend the offer prior to its expiration.

We acknowledge and undertake to comply with the provisions of Rule 14e-l(c) under the Exchange Act, which requires us to return the original notes surrendered for exchange promptly after the termination or withdrawal of the exchange offer. We will notify you as promptly as we can of any extension, termination or amendment.

Procedures for Tendering

Book-Entry Interests

The original notes were issued as global securities in fully registered form without interest coupons. Beneficial interests in the global securities, held by direct or indirect participants in DTC, are shown on, and transfers of these interests are effected only through, records maintained in book-entry form by DTC with respect to its participants.

If you hold your original notes in the form of book-entry interestsOriginal Notes, and you wishshould follow carefully the instructions on how to tender your original notes for exchange pursuantOriginal Notes. It is your responsibility to the exchange offer, you must transmit to the exchange agent on or prior to the expiration date either:

(1) a written or facsimile copy of a properly completed and duly executedtender your Original Notes. No letter of transmittal including allor other documents required bydocument should be sent to us. Beneficial owners may request their respective brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or nominees to effect the letter of transmittal, toabove transactions for them.

If you have any questions or need help in exchanging your Original Notes, please contact the exchange agent at the address or telephone numbers set forth on the cover pagebelow.
All of the letterOriginal Notes were issued in book-entry form, and all of transmittal;the Original Notes are currently represented by global certificates registered in the name of Cede &Co., the nominee of DTC. You may tender your Original Notes using ATOP. The exchange agent will make a request to establish an account with respect to the Original Notes at DTC for purposes of the Exchange Offer within two business days after this prospectus is mailed or

(2) sent to holders, and any financial institution that is a computer-generated message transmittedparticipant in DTC

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may make book-entry delivery of Original Notes by means of DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program system and received bycausing DTC to transfer the Original Notes into the exchange agentagent’s account at DTC in accordance with DTC’s procedures for transfer. In connection with the transfer, DTC will send an “agent’s message” to the exchange agent. The agent’s message will state that DTC has received instructions from the participant to tender the Original Notes and forming a part of a confirmation of book-entry transfer, in which you acknowledge and agreethat the participant agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal.

In addition, in order

By using the ATOP procedures to exchange the Original Notes, you will not be required to deliver original notes held in the forma letter of book-entry interests:

(1) a timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of such original notes intotransmittal to the exchange agent’s account at DTCagent. However, you will be bound by its terms just as if you had signed it. The tender of Original Notes by you pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfers described below under “—Book-Entry Transfer” must be received by the exchange agent prior to the expiration date; or

(2) you must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

The method of delivery of original notes and the letter of transmittal and all other required documents to the exchange agent is at your election and risk. Instead of delivery by mail, we recommend that you use an overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to assure delivery to the exchange agent before the expiration date. You should not send the letter of transmittal or original notes to us. You may request your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or nominee to effect the above transactions for you.

Certificated Original Notes

Only registered holders of certificated original notes may tender those notes in the exchange offer. If your original notes are certificated notes and you wish to tender those notes for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer, you must transmit to the exchange agent, on or prior to the expiration date, a written or facsimile copy of a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal, including all other required documents, to the address set forth below under “—Exchange Agent.” In addition, in order to validly tender your certificated original notes:

(1) the certificates representing your original notes must be received by the exchange agent prior to the expiration date; or

(2) you must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

Procedures Applicable to All Holders

If you tender an original note and you do not withdraw the tender prior to the expiration date, youthis prospectus will have madeconstitute an agreement withbetween you and us in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal.

If your original notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and you wish

All questions as to tender your notes, you should contact the registered holder promptly and instruct the registered holder to tender on your behalf. If you wish to tender on your own behalf, you must, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering your original notes, either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the original notes in your name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder. The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time.

Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed by an eligible institution unless:

(1) original notes tendered in the exchange offer are tendered either:

(A) by a registered holder who has not completed the box entitled “Special Registration Instructions” or “Special Delivery Instructions” on the letter of transmittal, or

(B) for the account of an eligible institution; and

(2) the box entitled “Special Registration Instructions” on the letter of transmittal has not been completed.

If signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal are required to be guaranteed, the guarantee must be by a financial institution, which includes most banks, savings and loan associations and brokerage houses, that is a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Program or the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program.

If the letter of transmittal is signed by a person other than you, your original notes must be endorsed or accompanied by a properly completed bond power and signed by you as your name appears on those original notes.

If the letter of transmittal or any original notes or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations, or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, those persons should so indicate when signing. Unless we waive this requirement, in this instance you must submit with the letter of transmittal proper evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to act on your behalf.

We will determine, in our sole discretion, all questions regarding the validity, form, eligibility, including time of receipt, and acceptance and withdrawalfor exchange of tendered original notes. This determinationany tender of Original Notes will be determined by us and will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any andor all original notestenders not properly tenderedin proper form or any original notes our acceptancethe acceptances for exchange of which would, in the opinionmay, upon advice of our counsel, be unlawful. We also reserve the right to waive any defects,defect, irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular original notes.Original Notes. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer,Exchange Offer, including the instructions in the letter of transmittal, will be final and binding on all parties. You must cure anyUnless waived, all defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of your original notesthe Original Notes must be cured within thesuch time periodas we will determine unless we waive that defect or irregularity.shall determine. Although we intend to notify youholders of defects or irregularities with respect to your tendertenders of original notes,the Original Notes, neither we, the exchange agent, the Trustee, nor any other person will incur any liability for failure to give thissuch notification. Your tenderTenders of the Original Notes will not be deemed tomade until such defects or irregularities have been madecured or waived. Any Original Notes received by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered and your notesas to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned to you if:

(1) you improperly tender your original notes;

(2) you have not cured any defects or irregularities in your tender; and

(3) we have not waived those defects, irregularities or improper tender.

The exchange agent will return your original notes, unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal,tendering holder as soon as practicable followingafter the Expiration Date of the Exchange Offer.

In all cases, we will issue the Exchange Notes for the Original Notes that we have accepted for exchange under the Exchange Offer only after the exchange agent receives, prior to the Expiration Date: a book-entry confirmation of such number of the Original Notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC and a properly transmitted agent’s message.
If we do not accept any tendered Original Notes for exchange or if the Original Notes are submitted for a greater principal amount than the holder desires to exchange, the unaccepted or non-exchanged Original Notes will be returned without expense to their tendering holder. Such non-exchanged Original Notes will be credited to an account maintained with DTC. These actions will occur as promptly as practicable after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

In addition, we reserve the right in our sole discretion to:

(1) purchase or make offers for, or offer registered notes for, any original notes that remain outstanding subsequent to the expiration of the exchange offer;

(2) terminate the exchange offer; and

(3) to the extent permitted by applicable law, purchase notes in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.

The terms of any of these purchases or offers could differ from the terms of the exchange offer.

By tendering, you will represent to us that, among other things:

(1) the registered notes to be issued to you in the exchange offer are acquired in the ordinary course of your business;

(2) at the time of the commencement of the exchange offer you have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the registered notes to be issued to you in the exchange offer in violation of the Securities Act;

(3) you are not an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act) of us;

(4) if you are a broker-dealer, you are not engaging in, and do not intend to engage in, a distribution of the registered notes to be issued to you in the exchange offer;

(5) if you are a participatingExchange Offer.

Each broker-dealer that will receive registered notesreceives the Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for the original notes thatOriginal Notes, where those Original Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that youit will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of those Exchange Notes. See “Plan of Distribution.”
Terms and Conditions Contained in the registered notes;Letter of Transmittal
The accompanying letter of transmittal contains, among other things, the following terms and

(6) you conditions, which are not acting on behalfpart of any persons or entities who could not truthfully make the foregoing representations.

In all cases, issuanceExchange Offer.

The transferring party tendering Original Notes for exchange will be deemed to have exchanged, assigned and transferred the Original Notes to us and irrevocably constituted and appointed the exchange agent as the transferor’s agent and attorney-in-fact to cause the Original Notes to be assigned, transferred and exchanged. The transferor will be required to represent and warrant that it has full power and authority to tender, exchange, assign and transfer the Original Notes and to acquire Exchange Notes issuable upon the exchange of registered notes for original notesthe tendered Original Notes and that, when the same are accepted for exchange, inwe will acquire good and unencumbered title to the exchange offertendered Original Notes, free and clear of
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all liens, restrictions (other than restrictions on transfer), charges and encumbrances and that the tendered Original Notes are not and will not be subject to any adverse claim. The transferor will be made only after timely receiptrequired to also agree that it will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the exchange agent of certificates for your original notes or a timely book-entry confirmation of your original notes intous to be necessary or desirable to complete the exchange, agent’s account at DTC, a properly completedassignment and duly executed lettertransfer of transmittal,tendered Original Notes. The transferor will be required to agree that acceptance of any tendered Original Notes by us and the issuance of Exchange Notes in exchange for tendered Original Notes will constitute performance in full by us of our obligations under the registration rights agreement and that we will have no further obligations or a computer-generated message insteadliabilities under the registration rights agreement, except in certain limited circumstances. All authority conferred by the transferor will survive the death, bankruptcy or incapacity of the transferor and every obligation of the transferor will be binding upon the heirs, legal representatives, successors, assigns, executors, administrators and trustees in bankruptcy of the transferor.
Upon agreement to the terms of the letter of transmittal pursuant to an agent’s message, a holder, or beneficial holder of the Original Notes on behalf of which the holder has tendered, will, subject to that holder’s ability to withdraw its tender, and all other required documents. If any tendered original notes are not accepted for any reason set forth insubject to the terms and conditions of the exchange offerExchange Offer generally, thereby certify that:
it is not an affiliate of ours or our subsidiaries or, if original notesthe transferor is an affiliate of ours or our subsidiaries, it will comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable;
the Exchange Notes are submitted for a greater principal amount than you desire to exchange, the unaccepted or non-exchanged original notes, or original notes in substitution therefor, will be returned without expense to you. In addition,being acquired in the caseordinary course of original notes,business of the person receiving the Exchange Notes, whether or not the person is the registered holder;
the transferor has not entered into, engaged in, does not intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any other person to engage in a distribution of the Exchange Notes issued to the transferor; and
the transferor is not restricted by any law or policy of the SEC from trading the Exchange Notes acquired in the Exchange Offer.
Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Original Notes where such Original Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. See “Plan of Distribution.”
Withdrawal Rights
Original Notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agent’s account at DTC pursuant to the book-entry transfer procedures described below,Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to the non-exchanged original notes willExpiration Date. For a withdrawal to be credited to your account maintained with DTC promptly after the expirationeffective, a written letter or terminationfacsimile transmission notice of the exchange offer.

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

If you desire to tender your original notes and your original notes are not immediately available, time will not permit your original notes or other required documents to reachwithdrawal must be received by the exchange agent beforeat its address set forth in the timeaccompanying letter of expiration or you cannot complete the procedure for book-entry on a timely basis, you may tender if:

(1) you tender through an eligible financial institution;

(2) on or prior totransmittal not later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date, the exchange agent receives from an eligible institution, a written or facsimile copy of a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal andExpiration Date. Any notice of guaranteed delivery, substantially inwithdrawal must specify the form provided by us; and

(3) the certificates for all certificated original notes, in proper form for transfer, or a book-entry confirmation, and all other documents required by the letter of transmittal, are received by the exchange agent within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the date of executionname of the notice of guaranteed delivery.

The notice of guaranteed delivery may be sent by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery.

The notice of guaranteed delivery must set forth:

(1) your name and address;

(2)holder, the principal amount of original notes you are tendering; and

(3)Original Notes delivered for exchange, a statement that your tendersuch holder is being made bywithdrawing such holder’s election to have such Original Notes exchanged and the notice of guaranteed delivery and that you guarantee that within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the executionnumber of the notice of guaranteed delivery,account at DTC to be credited with withdrawn Original Notes and otherwise comply with the eligible institution will deliver the following documents to the exchange agent: (A) the certificates for all certificated original notes being tendered, in proper form for transfer or a book-entry confirmation of tender; (B) a written or facsimile copy of the letter of transmittal, or a book-entry confirmation instead of the letter of transmittal; and (C) any other documents required by the letter of transmittal.

Book-Entry Transfer

ATOP procedures. The exchange agent will establish an account with respect to the book-entry interests at DTC for purposesreturn properly withdrawn Original Notes promptly following receipt of the exchange offer promptly after the date of this prospectus. You must deliver your book-entry interest by book-entry transfer to the account maintained by the exchange agent at DTC for the exchange offer. Any financial institution that is a participant in DTC’s systems may make book-entry delivery of book-entry interests by causing DTC to transfer the book-entry interests into the exchange agent’s account at DTC in accordance with DTC’s procedures for transfer.

If one of the following situations occurs:

(1) you cannot deliver a book-entry confirmation of book-entry delivery of your book-entry interests into the exchange agent’s account at DTC; or

(2) you cannot deliver all other documents required by the letter of transmittal to the exchange agent prior to the expiration date,

then you must tender your book-entry interests according to the guaranteed delivery procedures discussed above.

Withdrawal Rights

You may withdraw tenders of your original notes at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

For your withdrawal to be effective, the exchange agent must receive a written or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal at its address set forth below under “—Exchange Agent” prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

The notice of withdrawal must:

(1) state your name;

(2) identify the specific original notes to be withdrawn, including the certificate number or numbers and the principal amount of withdrawn notes;

(3) be signed by you in the same manner as you signed the letter of transmittal when you tendered your original notes, including any required signature guarantees or be accompanied by documents of transfer sufficient for the exchange agent to register the transfer of the original notes into your name; and

(4) specify the name in which the original notes are to be registered, if different from yours.

We will determine all questions regarding the validity, form and eligibility, including time of receipt, of withdrawal notices. Our determination will be final and binding on all parties. Any original notes withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the exchange offer. Any original notes which have been tendered for exchange but which are not exchanged for any reason will be returned to you without cost as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the exchange offer.withdrawal. Properly withdrawn original notesOriginal Notes may be retendered by following one of the procedures described under “—Procedures for Tendering”Tendering Original Notes” above at any time on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

Expiration Date. All questions as to the validity of notices of withdrawals, including time of receipt, will be determined by us, and will be final and binding on all parties. None of the Company, the exchange agent, the Trustee or any other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defects or irregularities in any notice of withdrawal of tenders, or incur any liability for failure to give any such notification.

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Acceptance of Original Notes for Exchange; Delivery of Exchange Notes
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the acceptance for exchange of Original Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn and the issuance of the Exchange Notes will be made on the Exchange Date. For purposes of the Exchange Offer, we will be deemed to have accepted for exchange validly tendered Original Notes when and if we have given written notice to the exchange agent. The Original Notes surrendered in exchange for the Exchange Notes will be retired and cannot be reissued.
The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering holders of Original Notes for the purposes of receiving the Exchange Notes from us and causing the Original Notes to be assigned, transferred and exchanged. Original Notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agent’s account at DTC pursuant to the procedures described above will be credited to an account maintained by the holder with DTC for the Original Notes, promptly after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the Exchange Offer.
Conditions

to the Exchange Offer

Notwithstanding any other provision of the exchange offer and subject to our obligations underExchange Offer, or any extension of the registration rights agreements,Exchange Offer, we will not be required to issue Exchange Notes in exchange for any properly tendered Original Notes not previously accepted and may terminate the Exchange Offer by oral or written notice to the exchange agent and by timely public announcement communicated, unless otherwise required by applicable law or regulation, to Business Wire or other wire service, or, at our option, modify or otherwise amend the Exchange Offer, if, in our reasonable determination:
there is threatened, instituted or pending any action or proceeding before, or any injunction, order or decree shall have been issued by, any court or governmental agency or other governmental regulatory or administrative agency or of the SEC:
seeking to restrain or prohibit the making or consummation of the Exchange Offer;
assessing or seeking any damages as a result thereof; or
resulting in a material delay in our ability to accept for exchange or to issue registered notes in exchange for, any original notes and may terminatesome or amend the exchange offer, if at any time before the acceptance of any original notes for exchange anyall of the following events occur:

(1)Original Notes pursuant to the exchange offerExchange Offer; or

the Exchange Offer violates any applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC;

(2) an injunction, order or decree has been issued that would prohibit, prevent or otherwise materially impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer;

(3) an action or proceeding has been instituted or threatened in any court or by any governmental agency which might materially impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer;

(4) all governmental approvals have not been obtained, which approvals we deem necessary for the consummation of the exchange offer;

(5) there has been any material change, or development involving a prospective material change, in our business or financial affairs which, in our reasonable judgment, would materially impair our ability to consummate the exchange offer; or

(6) there has been proposed, adopted or enacted any law, statute, rule or regulation which, in our reasonable judgment, would materially impair our ability to consummate the exchange offer or have a material adverse effect on us if the exchange offer was consummated.

SEC.

These conditions are for our sole benefit and we may assert thembe asserted by us with respect to the entirety or any portion of the Exchange Offer regardless of the circumstances, including any action or inaction by us giving rise to them, subject to applicable law. We alsothe condition, or may waivebe waived by us in whole or in part at any time andor from time to time any particular condition in our sole discretion. If we waive a condition, we may be required, in order to comply with applicable securities laws, to extend the expiration date of the exchange offer. OurThe failure by us at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights will not be deemed a waiver of these rightsany right, and these rightseach right will be deemed an ongoing rights whichright that may be asserted at any time (in the case of any condition involving governmental approvals necessary to the consummation of the exchange offer) andor from time to time priortime. We reserve the right, notwithstanding the satisfaction of these conditions, to terminate or amend the timeExchange Offer.
Any determination by us concerning the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of expiration (in the case ofany conditions will be final and binding upon all other conditions).

parties.

In addition, we will not accept for exchange any original notesOriginal Notes tendered, and no registered notesExchange Notes will be issued in exchange for any of those original notes,Original Notes, if at thesuch time, the notes are tendered any stop order has been issued or is threatened by the SEC or in effect with respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus isforms a part, or with respect to the qualification of the indenture under which the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

In addition, we will not accept for exchange any original notes tendered, and no registered notes will beOriginal Notes were issued in exchange for any of those original notes, if at the time the notes are tendered any stop order is threatened by the SEC or in effect with respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

The exchange offer is not conditioned on any minimum principal amount of original notes being tendered for exchange.

1939.

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Exchange Agent

We have appointed

U.S. Bank National Association has been appointed as the exchange agent for the exchange offer.Exchange Offer. Questions requestsrelating to the procedure for assistance andtendering, as well as requests for additional copies of this prospectus or the prospectus, theaccompanying letter of transmittal, and other related documents should be directed to the exchange agent addressed as follows:

By Mail, Hand Delivery or Overnight Courier:

By Facsimile Transmission:

U.S. Bank National Association

U.S. Bank West Side Flats Operations Center

60 Livingston Ave.

St. Paul, MN 55107

Attention: Specialized Finance

Reference: AK Steel

(651) 466-7372

Attention: Specialized Finance

Reference: AK Steel

Confirm by Telephone:

(800) 934-6802

The

By Overnight Delivery or Mail (Registered or Certified Mail Recommended):
U.S. Bank National Association
Attn: Corporate Actions
111 Fillmore Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107-1402
Originals of all documents sent by facsimile should be promptly sent to the exchange agent also actsby mail, by hand or by overnight delivery service. The Trustee and the exchange agent are not responsible for and make no representation as trustee underto the indenture.

Feesvalidity, accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus and any of its contents, and are not responsible for any of our statements or the statements of any other person in this prospectus or in any document issued or used in connection with it or the Exchange Offer. The Trustee and the exchange agent make no recommendation to any holder whether to tender Original Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer or to take any other action.

Solicitation of Tenders; Expenses

We have not retained any dealer-manager or similar agent in connection with the Exchange Offer and we will not paymake any payments to brokers, dealers or others for soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. This solicitation is being made primarily by mail. Additional solicitations, however, may be made in person or by telephone by our officers and employees.

Exchange Offer. We will, however, pay the estimated cashexchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse it for actual and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. The expenses to be incurred in connection with the Exchange Offer, including the fees and expenses of the exchange offer.

Transfer Taxes

Youagent and printing, accounting and legal fees, will not be obligatedpaid by us.

No person has been authorized to paygive any transfer taxesinformation or to make any representations in connection with a tenderthe Exchange Offer other than those contained in this prospectus. If given or made, the information or representations should not be relied upon as having been authorized by us. Neither the delivery of your original notes forthis prospectus nor any exchange unless you instruct us to register registered notesmade in the nameExchange Offer will, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs since the date of this prospectus or request that original notesany earlier date as of which information is given in this prospectus.
The Exchange Offer is not being made to, nor will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of, holders of Original Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making of the Exchange Offer or the acceptance would not be in compliance with the laws of the jurisdiction. However, we may, at our discretion, take any action as we may deem necessary to make the Exchange Offer in any jurisdiction.
Appraisal or Dissenters’ Rights
Holders of Original Notes will not have appraisal or dissenters’ rights in connection with the Exchange Offer.
Transfer Taxes
We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the transfer of Original Notes to us and the issuance of Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer—unless we are instructed to issue or cause to be issued Exchange Notes, or Original Notes not tendered or not accepted in the exchange offerExchange Offer are requested to be returned, to a person other than the tendering holder. If transfer taxes are imposed for any such other reason, the amount of those transfer taxes, whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person, will be payable by the tendering holder.
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If satisfactory evidence of payment of or exemption from those transfer taxes is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, if applicable, the amount of those transfer taxes will be billed directly to the tendering holder in which eventand/or withheld from any amounts due to such holder.
Income Tax Considerations
We advise you to consult your own tax advisors as to your particular circumstances and the registered tendering holder will be responsible for the paymenteffects of any applicable transfer tax.

Accounting Treatment

WeU.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. tax laws to which you may be subject.

The discussion in this prospectus is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative rulings and pronouncements and judicial decisions, all as in effect on the date of this prospectus and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, or to different interpretations.
As described in “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations,” the exchange of an Original Note for an Exchange Note pursuant to the Exchange Offer will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes upon the consummation of theconstitute a taxable exchange offer. We will amortize the expense of the exchange offer over the term of the registered notes in accordance with GAAP.

USE OF PROCEEDS

The exchange offer is intended to satisfy our obligations under the registration rights agreements. We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer. In exchange for the registered notes, we will receive original notes in like principal amount. We will retire or cancel all of the outstanding original notes tendered in the exchange offer. Accordingly, issuance of the registered notesand will not result in any changetaxable income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and immediately after the exchange, a holder will have the same adjusted tax basis and holding period in our capitalization.

each Exchange Note received as such holder had immediately prior to the exchange in the corresponding Original Note surrendered.

Consequences of Failure to Exchange
As a consequence of the offer or sale of the Original Notes pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, holders of Original Notes who do not exchange Original Notes for Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer of the Original Notes. In general, the Original Notes may not be offered or sold unless such offers and sales are registered under the Securities Act, or exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER, DUE TO THE RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF THE ORIGINAL NOTES AND THE ABSENCE OF SIMILAR RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO THE EXCHANGE NOTES, IT IS HIGHLY LIKELY THAT THE MARKET, IF ANY, FOR ORIGINAL NOTES WILL BE LESS LIQUID THAN THE MARKET FOR EXCHANGE NOTES. CONSEQUENTLY, HOLDERS OF ORIGINAL NOTES WHO DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER COULD EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT DIMINUTION IN THE VALUE OF THEIR ORIGINAL NOTES COMPARED TO THE VALUE OF THE EXCHANGE NOTES.

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DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS

The following is a summary, believedsummaries of certain provisions of our indebtedness do not purport to be accurate, of the terms we consider material of the documents governing our material indebtedness, but reference is madecomplete and are subject to, the actual documents governing such indebtedness, which have been filed with the SEC. All such summaries areand qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the corresponding agreements, including the definitions of certain terms therein that are not otherwise defined in this reference. See “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.”

AK Steel’sprospectus.

Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility

In April 2011,

    On March 13, 2020, in connection with the AK Steel Merger, we entered into a $1.0 billion five-year asset-backedan asset-based revolving credit facility, (the “Credit Facility”)or the ABL Facility, with various financial institutions to replace and subsequently, in October 2011, pursuantrefinance Cliffs’ existing asset-based revolving credit facility and AK Steel Corporation’s (n/k/a Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation) former revolving credit facility. The ABL Facility will mature upon the earlier of March 13, 2025 and 91 days prior to the termsmaturity of certain other material debt, and initially provided for up to $2.0 billion in borrowings, including a $555 million sublimit for the Creditissuance of letters of credit and a $125 million sublimit for swingline loans. Availability under the ABL Facility obtainedis limited to an increaseeligible borrowing base, as applicable, determined by applying customary advance rates to eligible accounts receivable, inventory and certain mobile equipment.
    On March 27, 2020, the ABL Facility was amended to, among other things, provide for a new first-in, last-out, or FILO, tranche of revolver commitments in the commitments thereunder in theaggregate amount of $100.0$150 million bringingby exchanging existing tranche A revolver commitments under the ABL Facility. The total commitments under the CreditABL Facility after giving effect to the amendment remained at $2.0 billion. The terms and conditions (other than the pricing) that apply to the FILO tranche are substantially the same as the terms and conditions that apply to the tranche A revolver commitments under of the ABL Facility immediately prior to the amendment.
    On December 9, 2020, we entered into a second amendment to the ABL Facility, or the ABL Amendment, with various financial institutions. The ABL Amendment modified the ABL Facility to, $1.1 billion. AK Steel’s obligationsamong other things, increase the amount of tranche A revolver commitments available thereunder by an additional $1.5 billion and increase certain dollar baskets related to certain negative covenants that apply to the ABL Facility. After giving effect to the ABL Amendment, the aggregate principal amount of tranche A revolver commitments under the CreditABL Facility is $3.35 billion and the aggregate principal amount of tranche B revolver commitments under the ABL Facility remains at $150 million.
Guarantees
    The ABL Facility and certain bank products and hedge obligations are guaranteed by Cliffs and certain of its existing wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries and are required to be guaranteed by certain of Cliffs’ future wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries. Amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility and certain bank and hedging obligations are secured by (i) a first-priority security interest in the Company’s inventoryABL Priority Collateral (as defined in the ABL Facility) and accounts receivable. Availability of borrowings under(ii) a second-priority security interest in the Credit Facility from time to time is subject to a borrowing base calculation based upon a valuationFixed Asset Priority Collateral (as defined in the ABL Facility).
    The ABL Priority Collateral generally consists of the Company’s eligible inventories (including raw materials, finished and semi-finished goods, work-in-process inventory, and in-transit inventory) and eligiblefollowing assets: accounts receivable and other rights to payment, inventory, as-extracted collateral, investment property, tax refunds, certain general intangibles and commercial tort claims, certain mobile equipment, commodities accounts, deposit accounts, securities accounts and other related assets, letter of credit rights and proceeds and products of each multiplied by an applicable advance rate.of the foregoing.
Interest Rates
    Borrowings under the CreditABL Facility bear interest, at Cliffs’ option, at a base rate, or, at AK Steel’s option,if certain conditions are met, a LIBOR rate, in each case plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.75%margin. The base rate is equal to 1.50%the greater of the federal funds rate plus ½ of 1%, the LIBOR rate based on a one-month interest period plus
33


1.25%, the floating rate announced by Bank of America, N.A. as its “prime rate” and 1%. The LIBOR rate is a per annum infixed rate equal to LIBOR with respect to the case of base rate borrowings, and 1.75% to 2.50% per annum in the case of LIBOR borrowings. The applicable interest period and amount of the LIBOR rate margin percentageloan that is determined byrequested.
Optional and Mandatory Prepayments
    Optional Prepayments: Optional prepayment is permitted at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or prepayment penalty, other than customary breakage costs.
    Mandatory Prepayments: If at any time the average daily availabilityoutstanding amount of borrowingsloans under the Credit Facility. In addition, AK SteelABL Facility exceeds the borrowing base established thereunder, as applicable, then prepayment is requiredmandatory to pay an unused line fee of (a) 0.50% per annum if the average daily balance of borrowings and the stated amount of letters of credit under the Credit Facility was 50.0% or lessextent of the revolver commitments duringexcess.
Covenants
    The ABL Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants customary for such financings including, but not limited to, covenants limiting Cliffs’ ability to:
pay dividends on or purchase or redeem Cliffs’ capital stock;
incur certain debt;
prepay and modify certain debt;
merge, acquire other entities, enter into joint ventures and partnerships;
sell or dispose of certain assets;
make certain investments in other persons;
change the preceding month or (b) 0.375%, if such average daily balance was more than 50.0%nature of the revolver commitments duringbusiness or accounting methods;
incur certain liens or encumbrances; and
enter into certain transactions with affiliates.
    Additionally, the preceding month.

The Credit Facility contains restrictions on, among other things, distributions and dividends, acquisitions and investments, indebtedness, liens and affiliate transactions. In addition, the CreditABL Facility requires maintenanceCliffs and certain of Cliffs’ consolidated subsidiaries, collectively, to meet a springing minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1:1 ifratio. If the average excess availability under the CreditABL Facility is less than the greater of (x) 12.5%$175 million and (y) 10% of the aggregateline cap (generally defined as the lesser of the maximum revolver amount and the borrowing base as of revolver commitmentssuch date), then Cliffs will have to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio (which is generally the ratio of EBITDA (as defined in the ABL Facility) less capital expenditures and other agreed deductions to fixed charges) measured on a quarter-end basis of equal to or greater than 1.0:1.0 until excess availability is not less than the greater of (x) $175 million and (y) 10% of the line cap under the CreditABL Facility or (y) $137.5 million. Asfor 30 consecutive days.

Default
    The ABL Facility contains events of March 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with its Credit Facility covenants. AK Steel’s obligationsdefault customary for such financings, including:
failure to make payments under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by AK Holding.

As of March 31, 2013,ABL Facility;

failure to comply with the Company had $874.4 million of availabilitycovenants under the Credit Facility (subjectABL Facility;
entry of a material judgment against the loan parties or their subsidiaries;
bankruptcy;
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cross default to customary borrowing conditions, including a borrowing base). As of March 31, 2013, there were no borrowings outstandingmaterial indebtedness;
failure to make payments under certain pension and multi-employer plans;
material misrepresentations;
change in control; and
default under the Creditrelated loan documents.
EDC Revolving Facility
    On November 9, 2020, our Canadian subsidiaries Fleetwood Metal Industries Inc. and $78.2The Electromac Group Inc. entered into a new revolving facility, or the EDC Revolving Facility, with Export Development Canada. The EDC Revolving Facility enables our Tooling and Stamping business to finance the purchase of tooling and related equipment to manufacture and process long lead-time parts for our automotive customers. The EDC Revolving Facility provides for up to $40 million of outstanding letters of credit. Becausein borrowings and expires in November 2022. Borrowings under the Company’s obligation under its CreditEDC Revolving Facility bear interest at a LIBOR rate plus a base rate. The EDC Revolving Facility is secured by its eligible collateral, availability also may be reducedthe assets of Fleetwood Metal Industries Inc. and The Electromac Group Inc. and is fully guaranteed by a decline in the levelCliffs. As of eligible collateral, such as the Company’s inventory and accounts receivable, which can fluctuate monthlyDecember 31, 2020, we had outstanding borrowings under the termsEDC Revolving Facility of the Credit Facility. The Company’s eligible collateral, after application of applicable advance rates, was $952.6 million as$18 million.
Cliffs Senior Notes
    As of March 31, 2013.

Debt Securities

In May 2010 and December 2010, AK Steel issued $400.0 million and $150.0 million, respectively, of 7.625% Notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”). In March 2012, AK Steel issued $300.0 million of 8.375% Notes due 2022 (the “2022 Notes” and together with the 2020 Notes, the “AK Steel Senior Notes”). The AK Steel Senior Notes are AK Steel’s senior unsecured obligations, ranking equal with all of AK Steel’s existing and future unsubordinated unsecured indebtedness, senior in right of payment to any subordinated indebtedness AK Steel may incur and effectively subordinated to AK Steel’s secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that debt and to all of the liabilities of the subsidiaries of AK Steel. The AK Steel Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by AK Holding. The AK Steel Senior Notes contain certain restrictive covenants which limit, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of AK Steel and its subsidiaries to, among other things:

create liens on its and their assets;

incur subsidiary debt;

engage in sale/leaseback transactions; and

engage in a consolidation, merger or sale of assets.

The AK Steel Senior Notes also contain certain customary events of default and optional redemption provisions.

Exchangeable Notes

In November 2012, AK Steel issued $150.0 million of 5.0% Exchangeable Senior Notes due November 2019 (the “Exchangeable Notes”). The Exchangeable Notes are AK Steel’s senior unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. The Exchangeable Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by AK Holding. AK Steel may not redeem the Exchangeable Notes prior to their maturity date. Holders may exchange their Exchangeable Notes into cash and, if applicable, shares of AK Holding common stock at their option at12, 2021, Cliffs had an initial exchange rate of 185.1852 shares of AK Holding common stock per $1,000aggregate principal amount of Exchangeable Notes, equivalent$4,118 million of senior notes outstanding (excluding $92 million aggregate principal amount of industrial revenue bonds, or IRBs, due 2024 through 2028). The specific principal amounts, maturity and interest rates of these debt securities are set forth in the following table:

Principal Amount
(In Millions)
1.50% 2025 Convertible Senior Notes$296 
5.75% 2025 Senior Notes396 
9.875% 2025 Senior Secured Notes(1)
633 
6.75% 2026 Senior Secured Notes845 
5.875% 2027 Senior Notes556 
Original Notes73 
7.00% 2027 AK Senior Notes(2)
56 
4.625% 2029 Senior Notes(3)
500 
4.875% 2031 Senior Notes(3)
500 
6.25% 2040 Senior Notes263 
Total(4)
$4,118 
(1)On March 11, 2021, we used the net proceeds to an initial conversion price of approximately $5.40 per share of common stock, subjectus from the Equity Offering, plus cash on hand, to adjustment for certain dilutive effects from potential future events. The indenture governing the Exchangeable Notes (the “Exchangeable Notes Indenture”) does not contain any financial or operating covenants or restrictions on the payments of dividends, the incurrence of indebtedness or the issuance or repurchase of securities by AK Holding or its subsidiaries. Holders may exchange their Exchangeable Notes prior to August 15, 2019 only under certain circumstances. After August 15, 2019, holders may exchange their Exchangeable Notes at any time. Upon exchange, AK Steel will be obligated to (i) pay an amount in cash equal to theredeem $322 million aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Notes to be exchanged and (ii) pay cash, deliver shares of AK Holding common stock or 9.875% 2025 Senior Secured Notes. See “Summary—Recent Developments.”
(2)Issued by Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation (f/k/a combination thereof, at AK Steel’s election, for the remainder, if any, of the exchange obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Notes being exchanged. If AK Holding undergoes a fundamental change, as defined in the Exchangeable Notes Indenture (which, for example, would include various transactions pursuant to which AK Holding would undergo a change of control), holders may require AK Steel to repurchase the Exchangeable Notes in whole or in part for cash atCorporation).
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(3)On March 12, 2021, we used a price equal to par plus any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, in the event AK Holding undergoes a “make-whole fundamental change,” as defined in the Exchangeable Notes Indenture, prior to the maturity date, in addition to requiring AK Steel to repurchase the Exchangeable Notes in whole or in part for cash at a price equal to par plus any accrued and unpaid interest, the exchange rate will be increased in certain circumstances for a holder who elects to exchange its Exchangeable Notes in connection with such event. Based on the initial exchange rate, the Exchangeable Notes are exchangeable into a maximum of 37.5 million shares of AK Holding common stock. However, such maximum amount of shares would be exchanged only if, as a result of the occurrence of a “make-whole fundamental change” described above, AK Holding elects to satisfy the higher exchange rate by delivering to the holders shares of AK Holding common stock in consideration therefor.

Taxable Tax Increment Revenue Bonds

In 1997, in conjunction with construction of our Rockport Works facility, the Spencer County (IN) Redevelopment District (the “District”) issued $23.0 million in taxable tax increment revenue bonds. Proceeds from the bond issue were used by the Company for the acquisition of land and site improvements at the facility. The source of the District’s scheduled principal and interest payments through maturity in 2017 is a designated portion of the Company’s real and personal property tax payments. The Company is obligated to pay any deficiency in the event its annual tax payments are insufficient to enable the District to make principal and interest payments when due. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, the Company made deficiency payments totaling $2.6 million. At December 31, 2012, the remaining semiannual payments of principal and interest due through the year 2017 total $31.2 million. The Company includes potential payments due in the coming year under this agreement in its annual property tax accrual.

Tax-Exempt Industrial Revenue Bonds

In February 2012, we completed an offering (the “2012 IRB Offering”) of $73.3 million of tax-exempt industrial revenue bonds (“IRBs”). The 2012 IRB Offering was effected through offerings of newly issued tax-exempt IRBs in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the IRBs being replaced. We used the net proceeds from the newly issued fixed-rate tax-exempt IRBsNotes Offering to redeem all of our prior variable-rate tax exempt IRBs (“Redeemed IRBs”)outstanding 4.875% 2024 Senior Secured Notes, 6.375% 2025 Senior Notes, 7.625% 2021 AK Senior Notes, 7.50% 2023 AK Senior Notes and 6.375% 2025 AK Senior Notes, and pay fees and expenses in March 2012.

More specifically, the 2012 IRB Offering resulted in the issuance of the following new fixed-rate tax-exempt IRBs (the “New IRBs”): (i) $36.0connection with such redemptions. See “Summary—Recent Developments.”

(4)Does not include $92 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% tax-exemptCleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation’s (f/k/a AK Steel Corporation) IRBs due June 1, 2024 issued by the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (the “OAQDA”), (ii) $30.0 million aggregate principal amountthrough 2028 outstanding as of 7.0% tax-exempt IRBs due June 1, 2028 issued by the City of Rockport, Indiana (the “City of Rockport”), and (iii) $7.3 million aggregate principal amount of 6.25% tax-exempt IRBs due June 1, 2020 issued by the Butler County Industrial Development Authority in Butler County, Pennsylvania (the “BCIDA”, and collectively with the OAQDA and the City of Rockport, the “Tax-Exempt Issuers”). The New IRBs were issued by the Tax-Exempt Issuers, who loaned the net proceeds of the respective issuances to us pursuant to the terms of loan agreements between us and each of the OAQDA, City of Rockport and BCIDA (the “Loan Agreements”). The Loan Agreements provide that the net proceeds of the New IRBs be held by the trustee, Wells Fargo Bank National Association (the “Trustee”), for the purpose of redeeming the principal amount and accrued interest on the Redeemed IRBs.

The Loan Agreements contain certain customary events of default after which the New IRBs may be declared due and payable if not cured within an applicable grace period or, in certain circumstances, may be declared due and payable immediately. Such events of default include, among others, failure to pay principal and premium, if any, and interest on the New IRBs when due and payable; a breach of the certain covenants, including restrictions on the incurrence of additional debt by certain AK Steel subsidiaries, limitations on the incurrence of liens and the amount of sale/leaseback transactions, and the ability of AK Steel and AK Holding to merge or consolidate with other entities or to sell, lease or transfer all or substantially all of the assets of the AK Steel and AK Holding to another entity, in addition to certain other customary events of default; and certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of AK Steel or AK Holding. In addition, the New IRBs are subject to special mandatory redemption, at any time at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest thereon, in the event that a final determination is made that interest payments on the New IRBs are not excludable from holders’ gross income for federal income tax purposes. AK Steel’s obligations in connection with the New IRBs are guaranteed by AK Holding.

March 12, 2021.


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DESCRIPTION OF THE REGISTERED NOTES

The original notesOriginal Notes were, and the Exchange Notes will be, issued under an indenture (the “Indenture”), dated as of November 20, 2012 (the “Original Issue Date”)March 16, 2020, which we refer to as the “indenture,” among Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., among AK Steel, as issuer, AK Holding, as guarantor,the Guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, (the “Trustee”).which we refer to as the “Trustee.” The registered notesterms of the Exchange Notes will also be issuedsubstantially identical to the terms of the Original Notes, except that the Exchange Notes will be registered under the Indenture.Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer to as the “Securities Act,” and the transfer restrictions and registration rights and related additional interest provisions applicable to the Original Notes will not apply to the Exchange Notes. The originalterms of the Exchange Notes will include those stated in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
Unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this “Description of the Notes” to “Cliffs,” “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” and “the Issuer” refer to Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and not to any of its subsidiaries. The Exchange Notes and the Original Notes are collectively referred to in this “Description of the Notes” as the “notes.” The following description is only a summary of the material provisions of the notes and the indenture. For more information on how you may obtain a copy of those documents, see “Where You Can Find More Information.” We urge you to read those documents because they, not this description, define your rights as holders of the notes. The registered notes offered herebyholder of a note will be treated as the owner of a note for all purposes. Only registered holders will have rights under the indenture. Capitalized terms used in this “Description of the Notes” section and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth under “—Certain Definitions.”
General
The Original Notes were issued in an aggregate principal amount of $335,376,000. As of March 12, 2021, there was $73,298,000 aggregate principal amount of Original Notes outstanding. The Company will issue up to $73,298,000 aggregate principal amount of Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer. The Original Notes and the Exchange Notes will be treated as a single class for all purposes of debt securities under the Indenture,indenture, including for purposes of redemptions, offers to purchase, and determining whether the required percentage of holders have given their approval or consent to an amendment or waiver or joined in the directing of the Trustee to take certain actions on behalf of the holders. For purposesThe notes will mature on March 15, 2027.
The notes will be issued only in fully registered form without coupons in minimum denominations of this description, unless$2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 above the context otherwise requires, references to the “notes” include the original notes, the registered notes offered hereby, and any Additional Notes offered under the Indenture.

The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the Indenture and the notes and does not purport to be complete. This summary is subject to and is qualified by reference to all the provisions of the Indenture, the notes and the Registration Rights Agreements, including the definitions of certain terms used in the Indenture. We urge you to read these documents because they, and not this description, define your rights as holders of the notes. A copy of the Indenture is available upon request as described under “Where You Can Find More Information.”

For purposes of this “Description of the Registered Notes,” the terms “AK Steel,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean AK Steel Corporation and its successors under the Indenture, excluding its subsidiaries and parent, and the term “AK Holding” means AK Steel Holding Corporation and its successors under the Indenture, excluding its subsidiaries.

General

amount. The notes are secured unsubordinated obligationsnot entitled to any sinking fund.

The indenture does not limit the amount of AK Steel, and will mature on December 1, 2018. AK Steel initially issued $350.0 millionnotes that we may issue. Cliffs is permitted to issue more notes under the indenture in an unlimited aggregate principal amount of original notes on November 20, 2012 (the “initial notes”) and subsequently issued an additional $30.0 million in aggregate principal amount of original notes on June 24, 2013 (the “add-on notes”). AK Steel will issue the registered notes in exchange for original notes in an aggregate principal amount of up to $380.0 million. AK Steel may, without the consent of the Holders of the notes, issue additional notes (the “Additional Notes”), subject to compliance with the provision described under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Liens”,covenants set forth in the indenture; provided that if theany such Additional Notes are not fungible with the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, thesuch Additional Notes will have a separate CUSIP number. None of these Additional Notes may be issued if an Event of Default (as defined under the subheading “—Events of Default”) has occurred and is continuing with respect to the notes.or ISIN numbers. The notes and anythe Additional Notes, subsequently issued wouldif any, will be treated as a single class for all purposes underof the Indenture.

Each noteindenture, including waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase. Unless the context otherwise requires, for all purposes of the indenture and this “Description of the Notes,” references to the notes include the notes and any Additional Notes actually issued.

Cliffs is a holding company whose only material assets consist of the stock of its subsidiaries. The notes will bear interestbe senior obligations of Cliffs and will be guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by substantially all of Cliffs’ material direct and indirect wholly owned domestic Subsidiaries.
Interest will accrue on the notes at the rate of 8.750% per annum from the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been paidof 7.00%, payable semi-annually on the notes. Interest on the notes will be payable on June 1March 15 and December 1September 15 of each year, beginning on December 1, 2013. Interest will be paid to Holders of recordthe persons in whose names the notes are registered in the security register at the close of business on May 15the March 1 or November 15 immediatelySeptember 1 preceding the relevant interest payment date, except that interest payable at maturity shall be paid to the same persons to whom principal of the notes is payable.
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The notes will accrue interest from (and including) the most recent scheduled interest payment date on which interest has been paid by Cliffs on the Original Notes accepted in the Exchange Offer. In each case, if the record date for the first interest payment date occurs on or prior to the Settlement Date, the record date for the first interest payment date will be deemed the close of business on the day prior to such interest payment date.
Interest will be computed on the notes on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day monthsmonths.
The indenture does not limit our ability, or the ability of the Guarantors, to incur additional indebtedness. The indenture and the notes do not contain any covenants (other than those described herein) designed to afford holders of the notes protection in a highly leveraged or other transaction involving us that may adversely affect holders of the notes.
Ranking
The notes:
are general unsecured senior obligations of Cliffs;
rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness of Cliffs;
rank senior in right of payment to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of Cliffs;
are effectively subordinated to Cliffs’ ABL Obligations and Secured Notes Obligations and any other existing or future secured indebtedness of Cliffs to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness;
are guaranteed on a U.S. corporate bond basis. Unless the context requires otherwise, all references herein to “interest” include any additional interest payable pursuantsenior unsecured basis by each Guarantor and, therefore, will be structurally senior to the Registration Rights Agreements referrednon-guaranteed Unsecured Notes Obligations and any other existing and future indebtedness of Cliffs that is not guaranteed by each Guarantor; and
are structurally subordinated to under “The Exchange Offer.”

all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of Subsidiaries of Cliffs that do not guarantee the notes.

Guarantees
The notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of Cliffs’ direct and indirect wholly owned domestic Subsidiaries (other than Excluded Subsidiaries) (each, a “Guarantor” and, together with any such Subsidiary that executes a Guarantee (or the indenture if included therein) after the Issue Date in accordance with the provisions of the indenture, the “Guarantors”). The Guarantors, as primary obligors and not merely as sureties, will jointly and severally, irrevocably and unconditionally, guarantee, on a senior unsecured basis, the full and punctual payment when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all Obligations of Cliffs under the indenture and the notes, whether for payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the notes, expenses, indemnification or otherwise, on the terms set forth in the indenture by executing the indenture.
    Each of the Guarantees:
is a general unsecured obligation of the applicable Guarantor;
ranks equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness of such Guarantor, and any guarantees thereof by such Guarantor;
ranks senior in right of payment to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of such Guarantor;
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is effectively subordinated to such Guarantor’s ABL Obligations and Secured Notes Obligations and any other existing and future secured indebtedness of such Guarantor to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and
is structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of Subsidiaries of Cliffs that do not guarantee the notes.
Not all of the Company’s Subsidiaries guarantee the notes. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or similar proceeding of any of such non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, the non-Guarantor Subsidiaries will pay the holders of their indebtedness and their trade creditors before they will be payable both asable to principal and interest atdistribute any of their assets to the officeCompany or agency of AK Steel. Initially, the paying agent officea Guarantor. As a result, all of the Trusteeexisting and future liabilities of the Company’s non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, including any claims of trade creditors, are effectively senior to the notes.
The indenture does not limit the amount of liabilities that may be incurred by the Company or its Subsidiaries, including the non-Guarantors. On a pro forma basis, after giving effect to the Acquisitions, and on a continuing operations basis, our non-Guarantor subsidiaries would have accounted for 3% of our consolidated revenue and approximately 15% of our consolidated net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, on an as adjusted basis, after giving effect to the February 2021 Financing Transactions and our borrowing of an additional $260 million under our ABL Facility since December 31, 2020 in connection with the termination of ArcelorMittal USA’s accounts receivable factoring arrangement, our non-Guarantor subsidiaries would have accounted for approximately 9% of our consolidated assets and less than 1% of our consolidated long-term debt.
The obligations of each Guarantor under its Guarantee will servebe limited as necessary to prevent the Guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance or similar limitation under applicable law. This provision may not, however, be effective to protect a Guarantee from being voided under fraudulent transfer law, or may reduce the applicable Guarantor’s obligation to an amount that effectively makes its Guarantee worthless. If a Guarantee was rendered voidable, it could be subordinated by a court to all other indebtedness (including guarantees and other contingent liabilities) of the Guarantor, and, depending on the amount of such office.

indebtedness, a Guarantor’s liability on its Guarantee could be reduced to zero. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Notes—The notes willguarantees of the Notes provided by the Guarantors may not be enforceable and, under specific circumstances, federal and state statutes may allow courts to void the Notes guarantees and require holders of Notes to return payments received from the Guarantors.”

Any Guarantor that makes a payment under its Guarantee will be entitled upon payment in full of all guaranteed obligations under the indenture to the benefit of any sinking fund.

Change of Control

AK Steel must commence, within 30 days of the occurrence of a Change of Control Repurchase Event, and consummatecontribution from each other Guarantor in an Offer to Purchase for all notes then outstanding, at a purchase priceamount equal to 101%such other Guarantor’s pro rata portion of their principal amount, plus accrued interest, if any, tosuch payment based on the Payment Date.

There can be no assurance that AK Steel will have sufficient funds availablerespective net assets of all the Guarantors at the time of any Changesuch payment as determined in accordance with GAAP.

Each Guarantor may consolidate with or merge with or into, or sell all or substantially all of Control Repurchase Eventits assets to, make any debt payment (including repurchases of notes) required by the foregoing covenant, as well asCliffs or another Guarantor without limitation or any other repayments pursuant to covenants that may be contained in loan facilities or other securities of AK Steel that might be outstanding at the time.

AK Steel will not be required to make an Offer to PurchasePerson upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Repurchase Event if a third party makes an offer to purchase the notesterms and conditions set forth in the manner, atindenture. See “—Certain Covenants—Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets.”

The indenture provides that each Guarantee by a Guarantor will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged, and such Subsidiary’s obligations under the timesGuarantee and price,the indenture will be automatically and otherwiseunconditionally released and discharged, upon:
(1)(a) any sale, exchange, transfer or disposition of (whether by merger, consolidation or the sale of) the Capital Stock of the applicable Guarantor after which such Guarantor is no longer a Subsidiary or the sale of all or substantially all the assets (other than by lease) of such Guarantor, whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving corporation in such transaction, to a Person which is not Cliffs or a Subsidiary; provided that (x) such sale, exchange, transfer or disposition is made in compliance with the requirementsindenture, including the covenant described under “—Certain Covenants—
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Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets,” and (y) all the obligations of such Guarantor under all Debt of Cliffs or its Subsidiaries terminate upon consummation of such transaction; (b) Cliffs exercising its legal defeasance option or covenant defeasance option as described under “—Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance” or Cliffs’ obligations under the indenture being discharged in accordance with the terms of the Indentureindenture; or (c) the applicable Guarantor becoming or constituting an Excluded Subsidiary; and
(2)such Guarantor delivering to the Trustee an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the indenture relating to release and discharge of such Guarantor’s Guarantee have been complied with.
The indenture provides that Cliffs will cause each of its Subsidiaries that is a U.S. Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) to execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which such Subsidiary will guarantee payment of the notes. Each Guarantee will be limited to an Offeramount not to Purchase for a Change of Control Repurchase Event, and purchases all notes validly tendered and not withdrawn inexceed the maximum amount that can be guaranteed by that Subsidiary without rendering the Guarantee, as it relates to such offer to purchase.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, an Offer to Purchase upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Repurchase Event may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditional upon such Change of Control Repurchase Event, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making the Offer to Purchase pursuant to the Change of Control Repurchase Event.

The definition of Change of Control includes a phraseSubsidiary, voidable under applicable law relating to the direct or indirect sale, transfer,fraudulent conveyance or other dispositionfraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the rights of “all or substantially all”creditors generally. Each Guarantee shall be released in accordance with the provisions of the properties or assets of AK Steelindenture described above.

Optional Redemption
We may, at our option, at any time and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. There is no precise, established definition of the phrase “substantially all” under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a Holder of the notesfrom time to require AK Steel to purchase its notes as a result of the sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of less than all of the assets of AK Steel and its Subsidiaries may be uncertain.

Holders may not be able to require us to purchase their notes in certain circumstances involving a significant change in the composition of the Board of Directors, including a proxy contest where the Board of Directors does not endorse the dissident slate of directors but approves them as “continuing directors.” In this regard, a decision of the Delaware Chancery Court (not involving our company or our securities) considered a change of control redemption provision of an indenture governing publicly traded debt securities substantially similar to the change of control described in clause (4) of the definition of Change of Control. In its decision, the court noted that a board of directors may “approve” a dissident shareholder’s nominees solely for purposes of such an indenture,provided the board of directors determines in good faith that the election of the dissident nominees would not be materially adverse to the interests of the corporation or its stockholders (without taking into consideration the interests of the holders of debt securities in making this determination).

Optional Redemption

At any time prior to December 1, 2015, we mayMarch 15, 2022, redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of thesuch notes to be redeemed plus the Applicable Premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

“Applicable Premium” means, with respect to any note on any redemption date, the greater of (1) 1.0% of the principal amount of such note and (2) the excess, if any of (a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the redemption price of such note at December 1, 2015 (such redemption price set forth in the table below), plus (ii) all required interest payments due on such note through December 1, 2015 (excluding accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over (b) the then outstanding principal amount of such note.

“Treasury Rate” means, as of any redemption date, the yield to maturity as of such redemption date of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15(519) that has become publicly available at least two business days prior to the redemption date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the redemption date to December 1, 2015;provided,however, that if the period from the redemption date to December 1, 2015, is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used.

We may redeem the notes, in whole or in part,

In addition, at any time on or after December 1, 2015,March 15, 2022, we will be entitled at our option on one or more occasions to redeem all or a portion of the notes (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes Additional Notes, if any) at the redemption price for the notesprices (expressed as ain percentage of principal amount) set forth below,amount of the redemption date), plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period commencingbeginning on December 1 of the years indicatedeach date set forth below:

Year

  Redemption
Price
 

2015

   104.375

2016

   102.188

2017 and thereafter

   100.000

PeriodRedemption Price
March 15, 2022103.500%
March 15, 2023102.333%
March 15, 2024101.167%
March 15, 2025 and thereafter100.000%
In addition, any redemption described above or notice thereof may, at any time priorthe Issuer’s discretion, be subject to December 1, 2015, we may redeem up to 35% of the principal amount of the notes (including any Additional Notes) with the net cash proceeds of one or more sales of AK Holding’s common stock (toconditions precedent.
On and after any redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the extent proceedsnotes called for redemption. Prior to any redemption date, we are contributedrequired to us as equity) atdeposit with a paying agent money sufficient to pay the redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) of 108.750%, plusand accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date;provided that at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of notes originally issued on the Closing Date remains outstanding after eachnotes to be redeemed on such redemption and notice of any such redemption is mailed within 60 days of each such sale of common stock.

We will give not less than 30 days’ nor (except in connection with the satisfaction and discharge or defeasance of the Indenture) more than 60 days’ notice of any redemption.date. If we are redeeming less than all of the notes, arethe Trustee under the indenture will select the notes to be redeemed subject to DTCon a pro rata basis or by lot (or, in the case of notes in global form, the notes will be selected for redemption based on a method that most nearly approximates a pro rata selection as required by the procedures selection of the notes for redemption willdepositary). Any unredeemed portion of a note must be made by the Trustee in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the notes are listed, or, if the notes are not listed onequal to a national securities exchange, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee in its sole discretion shall deem to be fair and appropriate. However, no noteminimum denomination of $2,000 in principal amount or less shallintegral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

Any redemption notice may, at our discretion, be redeemed in part.subject to one or more conditions precedent, including completion of a refinancing transaction or other corporate transaction. If any note iscondition precedent
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has not been satisfied, we will provide written notice to be redeemed in part only,the Trustee that a condition has not been satisfied prior to the close of business two Business Days prior to the redemption date. Upon receipt of such notice by the Trustee, the notice of redemption relating to such note will stateshall be rescinded and the portionredemption of the principal amountnotes shall not occur. Upon receipt, the Trustee shall provide the notice that a condition has not been satisfied to be redeemed. A new note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion will be issued upon cancellationeach holder of the original note.

notes in the same manner in which the notice of redemption was given.

We may, at any time and from time to time, purchase notes in the open market or otherwise, subject to compliance with applicable securities laws.
Change of Control Triggering Event
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event, unless we have exercised our right to redeem the notes as described under “—Optional Redemption” by tendergiving irrevocable written notice to the Trustee in accordance with the indenture, each holder of the notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or a portion of such holder’s notes pursuant to the offer through privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.

Guarantees

Paymentdescribed below (the “Change of Control Offer”), at a purchase price equal to 101 percent of the principal of, premium,amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and interestto, but excluding, the date of purchase (the “Change of Control Payment”), subject to the rights of holders of the notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.

Unless we have exercised our right to redeem the notes, within 30 days following the date upon which the Change of Control Triggering Event occurred with respect to the notes, or at our option, prior to any Change of Control but after the public announcement of the pending Change of Control, we will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured unsubordinated basisrequired to send, by AK Holding, our direct parent.

In addition, wefirst class mail (or to the extent permitted or required by applicable DTC procedures or regulations with respect to global notes, electronically), a written notice to each holder of the notes, with a copy to the Trustee, which notice will govern the terms of the Change of Control Offer. Such notice will state, among other things, the purchase date, which must be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed or otherwise sent, other than as may be required by law (the “Change of Control Payment Date”). The notice, if mailed or otherwise sent prior to the date of consummation of the Change of Control, will state that the Change of Control Offer is conditioned on the Change of Control being consummated on or prior to the Change of Control Payment Date.

On the Change of Control Payment Date, we will, to the extent lawful:
accept or cause certain Subsidiariesa third party to accept for payment all notes or portions of notes properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer;
deposit or cause a third party to deposit with a paying agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all notes or portions of notes properly tendered; and
deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the notes properly accepted together with an officer’s certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of notes or portions of notes being repurchased and that all conditions precedent to the Change of Control Offer and to the repurchase by us of notes pursuant to the Change of Control Offer have been complied with.
We will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer with respect to the notes if a third party makes such an offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements for such an offer made by us and such third party purchases all the notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under its offer.
We will comply in all material respects with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the notes as a result of a Change of Control Triggering Event. To the extent that the provisions of any such securities laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control Offer provisions of the notes, we
41


will comply with those securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached our obligations under the Change of Control Offer provisions of the notes by virtue of any such conflict.
The definition of Change of Control includes a phrase relating to the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of “all or substantially all” of the properties or assets of Cliffs and its subsidiaries taken as a whole. Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase “substantially all,” there is no precise, established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, the applicability of the requirement that we offer to repurchase the notes as a result of a sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of less than all of the assets of Cliffs and its subsidiaries taken as a whole to another Person or group may be uncertain.
Certain Covenants
Restrictions on Liens
We will not, nor will we permit any Subsidiary to, incur, issue, assume or guarantee any Debt secured by a Lien (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of its Property (whether such Property is now owned or hereafter acquired) without in any such case effectively providing that the notes shall be secured equally and ratably with such Debt until such time as such Debt is no longer secured by such Lien; provided that if the Debt so secured is subordinated by its terms to the notes or a note Guarantee, the Lien securing such Debt will also be so subordinated by its terms to the notes and the applicable note Guarantee at least to the same extent. Any Lien created for the benefit of the Holders of the notes pursuant to the provision described under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Subsidiary Debt.” Anyforegoing sentence shall provide by its terms that such Guarantee willLien shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon the release or discharge (other than a discharge through payment thereon) of the Indebtedness of such Subsidiary which resulted in the obligation to Guarantee the notes, the disposition of capital stock in compliance with the Indenture of such Subsidiary such that it no longer is a Subsidiary of AK Holding or upon defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the notes. Finally, we may chooseLien securing the Debt that gave rise to causethe obligation to equally and ratably secure the notes.
In addition to the foregoing, if any of our Unsecured Notes Obligations become secured by a Lien upon any Property of ours or of any Subsidiary (whether such Property is now owned or hereafter acquired), the notes shall be secured equally and ratably with such Unsecured Notes Obligations for so long as such Unsecured Notes Obligations are secured by such Lien upon any Property of us or any Subsidiary, as applicable. Any Lien created for the benefit of the Holders of the notes pursuant to Guaranteethe foregoing sentence shall provide by its terms that such Lien shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon the release and discharge of the Lien securing the Unsecured Notes Obligations.
Restrictions on Sale and Leaseback Transactions
Sale and leaseback transactions by us or any Subsidiary of any Property (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) are prohibited unless:
(i)we or such Subsidiary would be entitled under the indenture to issue, assume or guarantee Debt secured by a Lien upon such Property at least equal in amount to the Attributable Debt in respect of such transaction without equally and ratably securing the notes, provided that such Attributable Debt shall thereupon be deemed to be Debt subject to the provisions described above under “—Certain Covenants—Restrictions on Liens;” or
(ii)within 180 days, an amount in cash equal to such Attributable Debt is applied to the retirement of funded Debt (debt that matures at or is extendible or renewable at the option of the obligor to a date more than twelve months after the date of the creation of such Debt) ranking pari passu with the notes, an amount not less than the greater of:
the net proceeds of the sale of the Property leased pursuant to the arrangement, or
the fair market value of the Property so leased.
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The restrictions described above do not apply to a sale and leaseback transaction between us and a Guarantor or between Guarantors, or that involves the taking back of a lease for a period of less than three years.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
We may not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to, any person (a “successor person”), unless:
(1)we are the surviving corporation or the successor person (if other than Cliffs) is a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of any U.S. domestic jurisdiction and expressly assumes our obligations on the notes and may cause such Note Guarantee to be released at any time,provided thatunder the indenture;
(2)immediately after giving effect to such release, wethe transaction, no event of default, and no event which, after notice or passage of time, or both, would be in compliance with the provision described under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Subsidiary Debt.”

Security

General

The notes are and any future Subsidiary Guarantees will be, secured by a first priority Lien (subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens specified in the applicable Security Documents) on real property, plant and equipment (other than Excluded Property) that are owned or hereafter acquired by AK Steel and by any future Subsidiary Guarantors (the “Notes Collateral”).

If (1) any real property, plant or equipment (other than Excluded Property) is acquired by AK Steel or a Subsidiary Guarantor that is not automatically subject to a perfected security interest under the Security Documents, (2) any real property, plant or equipment which was Excluded Property ceases to be Excluded Property or (3) any Subsidiary becomes a Subsidiary Guarantor, then AK Steel or such Subsidiary Guarantor will, as soon as reasonably practicable after such property’s acquisition or it no longer being Excluded Property or such Subsidiary becoming a Subsidiary Guarantor, provide security over such property (or, in the case of a new Subsidiary Guarantor, provide security over all of its assets constituting Notes Collateral except Excluded Property) in favor of the Collateral Agent and deliver certain applicable documents to the Collateral Agent, including, in the case of real property, title insurance, surveys and opinions in respect thereof to the extent required in the Indenture and the Security Documents.

The notes and the Note Guarantees will not be secured by the ABL Collateral and will effectively rank junior to all Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement to the extent of the value of such assets and may be effectively junior to other permitted liens on the Notes Collateral.

The Notes Collateral does not include any of the following (collectively, “Excluded Property”):

(i) all of AK Steel’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ right, title and interest in any leasehold interest in any real property (whether held on the date of the indenture or acquired hereafter);

(ii) any lease, permit, license, contract, property rights or agreement to which AK Steel or any Subsidiary Guarantor is a party or any of its rights or interests thereunder, or any assets owned by AK Steel or any Subsidiary Guarantor subject to any such lease, permit, license, contract, property rights or agreement, if and for so long as the grant of such security interest shall constitute or result in (a) the abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability of any right, title or interest of AK Steel or any Subsidiary Guarantor therein or (b) in a breach or termination pursuant to the terms of, or a default under, any such lease, permit, license, contract, property rights or agreement that is not rendered unenforceable or otherwise deemed ineffective by the UCC or any other applicable law;

(iii) fixed or capital assets owned by AK Steel or any Subsidiary Guarantor that are subject to a Lien described in clause (5) under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Liens”) if the contractual obligation pursuant to which such Lien is granted (or in the document providing for such capital lease) prohibits the creation of any other Lien on such fixed or capital assets;

(iv) any property or assets, the pledge of which would require governmental consent, approval, license or authorization (in each case, only to the extent such requirement is not rendered ineffective by any applicable law, including the UCC); and

(v) certain other exceptions described in the Security Documents.

In addition, pursuant to the Security Documents, AK Steel is not required to take steps to perfect security interests in certain assets, including entering into and recording mortgages of any owned real property (together with any improvements thereon) with a greater of book or fair market value below $10.0 million and vehicles.

It is understood and agreed that the Notes Collateral does not include any ABL Collateral.

AK Steel, AK Holding and the Subsidiary Guarantors will be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future that could share in the Notes Collateral on apari passu basis (such obligations, “Parity Lien Obligations”). The amount of such indebtedness will be limited by the covenant disclosed under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Liens.” Under certain circumstances, the amount of such additional indebtedness could be significant.

Security Documents

On or after the Original Issue Date, AK Steel and the Collateral Agent entered into one or more Security Documents defining the terms of the security interests that secure the notes and the Note Guarantees and other future Parity Lien Obligations. These security interests secure the payment and performance when due of all of the Obligations of AK Steel and the Subsidiary Guarantors under the Parity Lien Obligations, including the notes, the Indenture, the Note Guarantees and the Security Documents, as provided in the Security Documents.

Subject to the terms of the Security Documents, AK Steel and the Subsidiary Guarantors have the right to remain in possession and retain exclusive control of the Notes Collateral (other than certain cash proceeds of the Notes Collateral that may be required to be deposited with the Collateral Agent in accordance with the provisions of the Security Documents and other than as set forth in the Security Documents), to freely operate the Notes Collateral and to collect, invest and dispose of any income therefrom.

The administrative agent under the Credit Agreement and the Collateral Agent entered into a customary collateral access agreement giving the secured parties under the Credit Agreement the ability to enter and use the Notes Collateral under certain circumstances.

Collateral Trust Agreement

General

On the Original Issue Date, AK Steel, the Trustee, and the Collateral Agent entered into the Collateral Trust Agreement. The Collateral Trust Agreement sets forth the terms on which the Collateral Agent (directly or through co-trustees or agents) will accept, hold, administer, enforce and distribute the proceeds of all Liens on the Notes Collateral held by it in trust for the benefit of Holders of the notes and all other future Parity Lien Obligations. The agent or other representative of the holders of any series of future Debt (together with the Trustee, the “Authorized Representatives”) intended to constitute Parity Lien Obligations will be required to execute a joinder to the Collateral Trust Agreement in order to confirm the agreement of the applicable secured parties to be bound by the terms thereof.

Equal and Ratable Sharing of Collateral

Pursuant to the Collateral Trust Agreement, each Authorized Representative (on behalf of itself and each holder of Obligations that it represents) acknowledged and agreed that, pursuant to the Security Documents, the security interest granted to the Collateral Agent under the Security Documents, shall for all purposes and at all times secure the Obligations in respect of the notes, the Note Guarantee, and any other Parity Lien Obligations on an equal and ratable basis.

Enforcement of Liens; Voting

The Collateral Trust Agreement provides that ifbecome an event of default, shall have occurred and be continuing under the Indentureindenture; and

(3)certain other conditions provided for in the indenture are met.
No Guarantor will consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its properties and assets to a successor person unless:
(i)(a) the successor person is the Company or a Guarantor or a Person that becomes a Guarantor concurrently with the transaction; (b) such Guarantor is the surviving entity or the successor person is validly existing under the laws of any Parity Lien Obligation,U.S. domestic jurisdiction and ifexpressly assumes such Guarantor’s obligations on its Guarantee and under the Collateral Agentindenture; (c) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no default or event of default, and no event which, after notice or passage of time, or both, would become an event of default, shall have received a written direction from the Applicable Authorized Representative, unless inconsistent with applicable law, (a) the Collateral Agent shall have the rightoccurred and power to institute and maintain such suits and proceedings as it may deem appropriate to protect and enforce the rights vested in it by the Collateral Trust Agreement and each Security Document and (b) the Applicable Authorized Representative shall have the right, by an instrument in

writing executed and delivered to the Collateral Agent, to direct the time, method and place of conducting any such proceeding, or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Collateral Agent, or for the appointment of a receiver, or for the taking of any action or remedial action authorized by the Collateral Trust Agreement. The Trustee is the Applicable Authorized Representative, and the Trustee thereby will instruct the Collateral Agent to take such action against the Notes Collateral as the Trustee may determine (or will follow the direction of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes in establishing such action).

The right of the Collateral Agent to repossess and dispose of the Notes Collateral upon the occurrence of an Event of Defaultbe continuing under the Indenture:

indenture; and (d) certain other conditions provided for in the case of Notes Collateral securing Liens permitted under indenture are met; or

(ii)the covenant described under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Liens”, is subject to applicable law and the terms of agreements governing such Liens;

with respect to any Notes Collateral, is likely to be significantly impaired by applicable bankruptcy law iftransaction constitutes a bankruptcy case were to be commenced by or against AK Steel or any Subsidiary Guarantor prior to the Collateral Agent having repossessed and disposed of the Notes Collateral; and

in the case of real property Notes Collateral, could also be significantly impaired by restrictions under state law.

Order of Application of Proceeds of Collateral

Any proceeds of any Notes Collateral foreclosed upon or otherwise realized upon pursuant to the Security Documents following and during the continuance of an Event of Default will be applied in the following order:

first, to the Collateral Agent to pay unpaid fees of the Collateral Agent and any costs and expenses due to the Collateral Agent in connection with the foreclosure or realization of such Notes Collateral;

second, to the Trustee and each other Authorized Representative (if any), equally and ratably (in the same proportion that such unpaid Parity Lien Obligations of the Trustee or such other Authorized Representative, as applicable, bears to all unpaid Parity Lien Obligations on the relevant distribution date) for application to the payment in full of all outstanding Parity Lien Obligations and other obligations secured by the Notes Collateral (other than obligations secured by the Notes Collateral paid pursuant to the immediately preceding clause and contingent obligations secured by the Notes Collateral) that are then due and payable to the secured parties (which shall then be applied or held by the Trustee and each such other Authorized Representative in such order as may be provided in the applicable indenture or other instrument governing such Debt); and

finally, in the case of any surplus, to AK Steel or the Subsidiary Guarantors that pledged such Notes Collateral, or its successors or assigns.

The application of proceeds provisions set forth immediately above are intended for the benefit of, and will be enforceable as a third party beneficiary by, each present and future holder of Parity Lien Obligations, the Trustee, each other present and future Authorized Representative and the Collateral Agent.

AK Steel did not conduct appraisals of the Notes Collateral in connection with the offering of the notes. The book value of the Notes Collateral as of March 31, 2013 was approximately $1,475.1 million. Book value should not be considered a proxy for fair market value, and the amount realized in respect of the Notes Collateral in the event of a liquidation will depend upon market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and similar factors. In addition, the fact that other Persons may have Liens senior to the Liens securing the notes in respect of Notes Collateral could have a material adverse effect on the amount that would be realized upon a liquidation of the Notes Collateral. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that proceeds of any sale of the Notes Collateral pursuant to the Indenture and the related Security Documents following an Event of Default would be sufficient to satisfy, or would not be substantially less than, amounts due under the notes. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the

Notes—The liens securing the notes will provide holders of the notes with a secured claim only to the extent of the value of the assets that have been granted as security for the notes and we may be able to incur additional secured indebtedness.” If the proceeds of any of the Notes Collateral were not sufficient to repay all amounts due on the notes, the Holders of the notes (to the extent not repaid from the proceeds of the sale of the Notes Collateral) would have only an unsecured claim against the remaining assets of AK Steel and the Subsidiary Guarantor. By its nature, some or all of the Notes Collateral will be illiquid and may have no readily ascertainable market value. Likewise, there can be no assurance that the Notes Collateral will be saleable, or, if saleable, that there will not be substantial delays in its liquidation. To the extent that Liens, rights or easements granted to third parties encumber assets located on property owned by AK Steel or the Subsidiary Guarantor, including the Notes Collateral, such third parties have or may exercise rights and remedies with respect to the property subject to such Liens that could adversely affect the value of the Notes Collateral and the ability of the Trustee or the Holders of the notes to realize or foreclose on Notes Collateral.

Release of Liens

The Liens on the Notes Collateral securing the notes and the Note Guarantees will be automatically released:

(1) upon payment in full of principal, interest and all other Obligations on the notes or satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture or defeasance thereof (including covenant defeasance);

(2) solely with respect of any class of Parity Lien Obligations in accordance with the terms thereof;

(3) upon release of a Note Guarantee (with respect to the Liens securing such Note Guarantee granted by such Subsidiary Guarantor);

(4) in connection with any disposition of Notes Collateral to any Person other than AK Steel or any Subsidiary Guarantor (but excluding any transaction subject to the covenant described under “—Certain Covenants—Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets” where the recipient becomes an obligor) that is permitted by the Indenture (with respect to the Lien on such Notes Collateral);

(5) in whole or in part, with the consent of the Holders of the requisite percentage of notes in accordance with the provisions described under the caption “—Modification and Waiver”; and

(6) with respect to any portion of the Notes Collateral, if such portion becomes Excluded Property.

Each of the releases described in clauses (1), (2) and (3) shall be effected automatically without the consent of the Holders or any action on the part of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent. Upon compliance by AK Steel with the conditions precedent required by the Indenture, the Trustee or the Collateral Agent shall promptly cause the applicable Notes Collateral to be released and re-conveyed to AK Steel.

The Trustee and the Collateral Agent will, promptly upon the request of AK Steel, do all reasonable things, presently or in the future, to effect and evidence the release of the security interests and liens upon the satisfaction of the conditions for such release described herein.

In addition, at the request of AK Steel or the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be:

if any part of the Notes Collateral is subject to any Lien permitted under the covenant described under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Liens” that is senior to the Liens securing the Notes Collateral as a matter of law, the Collateral Agent will be authorized to execute any document evidencing such subordination; and

if any part of the Notes Collateral is secured by a Lien of the type described in clause (5) under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Liens”, and the terms of the Lien prohibit the existence of a junior Lien on the applicable property, the Collateral Agent will be authorized to release the Lien on such

Notes Collateral and execute any document evidencing such release;provided, that immediately upon the ineffectiveness, lapse or termination of any such restriction, AK Steel or the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, will take all necessary actions in order to secure the Notes Collateral subject to such Permitted Lien in the same manner upon which it was secured prior to the imposition of the Permitted Lien.

To the extent applicable, AK Steel will comply with Section 314(d) of the Trust Indenture Act, relating to the release of property and to the substitution therefor of any property to be pledged as collateral for the notes. Any certificate or opinion required by Section 314(d) of the Trust Indenture Act may be made by an officer of AK Steel except in cases where Section 314(d) requires that such certificate or opinion be made by an independent engineer, appraiser or other expert. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, AK Steel and the Subsidiary Guarantors will not be required to comply with all or any portion of Section 314(d) of the Trust Indenture Act if they determine, in good faith based on advice of outside counsel, that under the terms of that section and/or any interpretation or guidance as to the meaning thereof of the SEC and its staff, including “no action” letters or exemptive orders, all or any portion of Section 314(d) of the Trust Indenture Act is inapplicable to the released Notes Collateral. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, certain no-action letters issued by the SEC have permitted an indenture qualified under the Trust Indenture Act to contain provisions permitting the release of collateral from Liens under such indenture in the ordinary course of an issuer’s business without requiring the issuer to provide certificates and other documents under Section 314(d) of the Trust Indenture Act. In addition, under interpretations provided by the SEC, to the extent that a release of a Lien is made without the need for consent by the noteholders of the notes or the Trustee, the provisions of Section 314(d) may be inapplicable to the release. The Indenture generally permits the disposition of assets in the ordinary course of business as set forth under the definition of “Notes Collateral Asset Sale.”

As used above:

“Applicable Authorized Representative” means, until the occurrence of the Non-Controlling Authorized Representative Enforcement Date, the Authorized Representative of a class of Parity Lien Obligations secured by valid and perfected Liens on such Notes Collateral, the aggregate principal amount of which exceeds the aggregate principal amount of secured obligations of any other class of Parity Lien Obligations secured by valid and perfected Liens on such Notes Collateral. Following the Non-Controlling Authorized Representative Date, the Applicable Authorized Representative shall be the “Major Non-Controlling Authorized Representative”.

“Major Non-Controlling Authorized Representative” means the Authorized Representative of a class of Parity Lien Obligations (other than the class of Parity Lien Obligations the Authorized Representative of which is the Applicable Authorized Representative), the aggregate principal amount of which exceeds the aggregate principal amount of secured obligations of any other class of Parity Lien Obligations (other than the class of Parity Lien Obligations the Authorized Representative of which is the Applicable Authorized Representative).

“Non-Controlling Authorized Representative Enforcement Date” shall mean the date that is 180 days (throughout which 180-day period such Authorized Representative was the Major Non-Controlling Authorized Representative) after the occurrence of both (a) an Event of Default (under and as defined in the applicable secured debt document) and (b) the Collateral Agent’s and each other Authorized Representative’s receipt of written notice from such Authorized Representative certifying that (i) such Authorized Representative is the Major Non-Controlling Authorized Representative with respect to the Notes Collateral and that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and (ii) the secured obligations with respect to which such Authorized Representative is the Authorized Representative are currently due and payable in full (whether as a result of acceleration thereof or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of the applicable documents;provided that the Non-Controlling Authorized Representative Enforcement Date shall be stayed and shall not occur (and shall be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes) with respect to the Notes Collateral (A) at any time the Collateral Agent has commenced and is diligently pursuing any enforcement action with respect to the Notes Collateral (or the Applicable Authorized Representative shall have instructed the Collateral Agent to do the same) or (B) at any time the grantor that has granted a security interest in such Notes Collateral is then a debtor under or with respect to (or otherwise subject to) any bankruptcy proceeding.

Disposition of Collateral; Collateral Proceeds Account

Pursuant to the Indenture and the Security Documents, AK Steel and the Subsidiary Guarantors will deposit in a segregated cash collateral account under the control of the Collateral Agent (an “Asset Sales Proceeds Account”): (l) cash proceeds from any sale, lease, transfer or other disposition (or series(including by way of related sales, leases, transfersconsolidation or dispositions) of Notes Collateral having an aggregate fair market value of more than $5.0 million, (2) any cash proceeds in excess of $5.0 million of any Notes Collateral taken by eminent domain, expropriation or other similar governmental taking and (3) cash proceeds in excess of $5.0 million of insurance upon any partmerger) of the Notes Collateral. The Collateral Agent will have a perfected security interest in and control of the account for the benefit of the Trustee and the noteholders and the holders of other Parity Lien Obligations. Proceeds of the account may only be released to AK SteelGuarantor or the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor for use as permitted by clause (3)sale or (4) described under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Notes Collateral Asset Sales.” AK Steel and the Subsidiary Guarantors will be required to comply with the requirements described above with respect to dispositionsdisposition of Notes Collateral before they may use the moneys in the Asset Sales Proceeds Account.

No Impairment of the Security Interests

Neither AK Steel nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is permitted to take any action,all or knowingly omit to take any action, which action or omission could reasonably be expected to have the result of materially impairing the security interest with respect to the Notes Collateral for the benefit of the Trustee and the noteholders.

The Indenture provides that any release of Notes Collateral in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture and the Security Documents will not be deemed to impair the security under the Indenture, and that any engineer or appraiser may rely on such provision in delivering a certificate requesting release so long assubstantially all other provisions of the Indenture with respect to such release have been complied with.

Certain Covenants

Limitation on Liens

The Indenture provides that AK Holding will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, issue, assume or Guarantee any Indebtedness secured by a Lien upon (a) any Notes Collateral, (b) any Principal Property of AK Steel or any Principal Property of a Subsidiary of AK Steel or (c) any shares of stock or other equity interests or Indebtedness of any Subsidiary of AK Steel that owns a Principal Property (whether such Principal Property, shares of stock or other equity interests or Indebtedness is now existing or owned or hereafter created or acquired) or any shares of stock or other equity interests or Indebtedness of AK Steel, except, in the case of any assets not constituting Notes Collateral, if the notes are secured equally and ratably with, or at AK Holding’s option, prior to such Indebtedness, so long as such Indebtedness shall be so secured.

The foregoing restriction shall not apply to, and there shall be excluded from Indebtedness in any computation under such restriction, Indebtedness secured by:

(1) Liens on any property or assets existing at the time of the acquisition thereof by AK Steel or any of its Subsidiaries and not incurred in contemplation of such acquisition;

(2) Liens on property or assets of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged into or consolidated with AK Steel or any of its Subsidiaries or at the time of a sale, lease or other disposition of the properties and assets of such Person (orthe Guarantor (in each case other than to the Company or a division thereof) as an entiretyGuarantor) in a transaction not otherwise prohibited or substantially as an entirety to AK Steel orrestricted by the indenture.

Notwithstanding the above, any of its Subsidiaries;provided that any such Lien does not extend to any Principal Property owned by AK Steel or any of its Subsidiaries immediately prior to such merger, consolidation, sale, lease or disposition and not incurred in contemplation of such acquisition;

(3) Liens on property or assets of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of AK Steel and not incurred in contemplation of such acquisition;

(4) Liens in favor of AK SteelCliffs may consolidate with, merge into or any Subsidiary Guarantor;

(5) Liens on property or assets (including shares of Capital Stock or Indebtedness of any Subsidiary formed to acquire, construct, develop or improve such property) to securetransfer all or part of the cost of acquisition, construction, development or improvement of such property, or to secure Indebtedness incurred to provide funds for any such purpose;provided that the commitment of the creditor to extend the credit secured by any such Lien shall have been obtained no later than 360 days after the later of (a) the completion of the acquisition, construction, development or improvement of such property or assets or (b) the placing in operation of such property or assets;

(6) Liens in favor of the United States of America or any State thereof, or any department, agency or instrumentality or political subdivision thereof, to secure partial, progress, advance or other payments;

(7) Liens in favor of the notes (other than Additional Notes) and the Note Guarantees; and

(8) Liens existing on the date of the Indenture or any extension, renewal, replacement or refunding of any Indebtedness secured by a Lien existing on the date of the Indenture or referred to in clauses (1), (2), (3), (5) or (7);provided that any such extension, renewal, replacement or refunding of such Indebtedness shall be created within 360 days of repaying the Indebtedness secured by the Lien referred to in clauses (1), (2), (3), (5) or (7) and the principal amount of the Indebtedness secured thereby and not otherwise authorized by clauses (1), (2), (3), (5) or (7) shall not exceed the principal amount of Indebtedness plus any premium or fee or accrued and unpaid interest payable in connection with any such extension, renewal, replacement or refunding, so secured at the time of such extension, renewal, replacement or refunding.

Notwithstanding the restrictions described above, AK Holding and any of its Subsidiaries may create, incur, issue, assume or Guarantee Indebtedness secured by Liens if at the time of such creation, incurrence, issuance, assumption or Guarantee, after giving effect thereto and to the retirement of any Indebtedness which is concurrently being retired, the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness secured by Liens which would otherwise be subject to such restrictions (other than any Indebtedness secured by Liens permitted as described in clauses (1) through (8) of the immediately preceding paragraph) plus the aggregate amount (without duplication) of (x) all Non-Guarantor Subsidiary Debt (other than Non-Guarantor Subsidiary Debt described in clauses (1) through (5) of the first sentence of the second paragraph under “—Limitation on Subsidiary Debt” below) and (y) all Attributable Debt of AK Steel and any of its Subsidiaries in respect of Sale and Leaseback Transactions (with the exception of such transactions which are permitted under clauses (1) through (4) of the first sentence of the first paragraph under “—Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions” below) does not exceed an amount equal to (x) 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets less (y) the aggregate principal amount of the initial notes outstanding at such time and the amount of any Indebtedness incurred to extend, renew, replace or refund the initial notes secured by Liens pursuant to clause (8) above.

In addition, AK Holding will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to create, incur, issue, assume or Guarantee any Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the ABL Collateral that is subordinated or junior to the Liens on the ABL Collateral securing the Bank Obligations, unless the notes are secured by such ABL Collateral equally and ratably with, or at AK Steel’s option, prior to such Indebtedness.

Limitation on Subsidiary Debt

The Indenture provides that AK Steel will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is not a Guarantor to create, assume, incur, Guarantee or otherwise become liable for or suffer to exist any Indebtedness (any Indebtedness of a non-Guarantor Subsidiary of AK Steel, “Non-Guarantor Subsidiary Debt”), without Guaranteeing the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the notes on an unsubordinated basis.

The foregoing restriction shall not apply to, and there shall be excluded from Indebtedness in any computation under such restriction, Non-Guarantor Subsidiary Debt constituting:

(1) Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged into or consolidated with any Restricted Subsidiary of AK Steel or at the time of a sale, lease or other disposition of the properties and assets of such Person (or a division thereof) as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any Restricted Subsidiary of AK Steel and is assumed by such Restricted Subsidiary;provided that any Indebtedness was not incurred in contemplation thereof and is not Guaranteed by any other Subsidiary of AK Steel;

(2) Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of AK Steel;provided that any Indebtedness was not incurred in contemplation thereof;

(3) Indebtedness owed to AK Steel or any Guarantor;

(4) Indebtedness outstanding on the date of the Indenture or any extension, renewal, replacement or refunding of any Indebtedness existing on the date of the Indenture or referred to in clauses (1), (2) or (3);provided that any such extension, renewal, replacement or refunding of such Indebtedness shall be created within 360 days of repaying the Indebtedness referred to in this clause or clauses (1), (2) or (3) above and the principal amount of the Indebtedness shall not exceed the principal amount of Indebtedness plus any premium or fee payable in connection with any such extension, renewal, replacement or refunding, so secured at the time of such extension, renewal, replacement or refunding; and

(5) Indebtedness in respect of a Receivables Facility.

Notwithstanding the restrictions described above, AK Steel and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may create, incur, issue, assume or Guarantee Non-Guarantor Subsidiary Debt, without Guaranteeing the notes, if at the time of such creation, incurrence, issuance, assumption or Guarantee, after giving effect thereto and to the retirement of any Indebtedness which is concurrently being retired, the aggregate amount of all such Non-Guarantor Subsidiary Debt which would otherwise be subject to such restrictions (other than Non-Guarantor Subsidiary Debt which is described in clauses (1) through (5) of the immediately preceding paragraph) plus the aggregate amount (without duplication) of (x) all Indebtedness secured by Liens (not including any such Indebtedness secured by Liens described in clauses (1) through (8) of the second paragraph under the heading “—Limitation on Liens”) and (y) all Attributable Debt of AK Steel and any of its Subsidiaries in respect of Sale and Leaseback Transactions (with the exception of such transactions which are permitted under clauses (1) through (4) of the first sentence of the first paragraph under “—Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions” below) does not exceed an amount equal to (x) 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets less (y) the aggregate principal amount of the initial notes outstanding at such time and the amount of any Indebtedness incurred to extend, renew, replace or refund the initial notes secured by Liens pursuant to clause (8) of the second paragraph of the provision “—Limitation on Liens.”

Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions

The Indenture provides that AK Steel will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction unless:

(1) the Sale and Leaseback Transaction is solely with AK Steel or any of its Subsidiaries;

(2) the lease is for a period not in excess of 24 months, including renewals;

(3) AK Steel or such Subsidiary would (at the time of entering into such arrangement) be entitled as described in clauses (1) through (8) of the second paragraph under the heading “—Limitation on Liens,” to create, incur, issue, assume or guarantee Indebtedness secured by a Lien on such property or assets in the amount of the Attributable Debt arising from such Sale and Leaseback Transaction;

(4) AK Steel or such Subsidiary, within 360 days after the sale of property or assets in connection with such Sale and Leaseback Transaction is completed, applies an amount equal to the greater of (A) the net proceeds of the sale of such Principal Property or (B) the fair market value of such Principal Property to (i) the retirement of notes, other Funded Debt of AK Steel ranking on a parity with the notes or Funded Debt of a Subsidiary of AK Steel or (ii) the purchase of property or assets used or useful in its business or to the retirement of long-term indebtedness; or

(5) the Attributable Debt of AK Steel and its Subsidiary in respect of such Sale and Leaseback Transaction and all other Sale and Leaseback Transactions entered into after the Closing Date (other than any such Sale and Leaseback Transaction as would be permitted as described in clauses (1) through (4) of this sentence), plus the aggregate principal amount (without duplication) of (x) Indebtedness secured by Liens then outstanding (not including any such Indebtedness secured by Liens described in clauses (1) through (7) of the second paragraph under the heading “—Limitation on Liens”) which do not equally and ratably secure the notes (or secure notes on a basis that is prior to other Indebtedness secured thereby) and (y) Non-Guarantor Subsidiary Debt (with the exception of Non-Guarantor Subsidiary Debt which is described in clauses (1) through (5) of the second paragraph under the heading “—Limitation on Subsidiary Debt”), would not exceed an amount equal to (x) 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets less (y) the aggregate principal amount of the initial notes outstanding at such time and the amount of any Indebtedness incurred to extend, renew, replace or refund the initial notes secured by Liens pursuant to clause (8) of the second paragraph of the provision “—Limitation on Liens.”

Limitation on Notes Collateral Asset Sales

The Indenture provides that AK Holding will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, make any Notes Collateral Asset Sale unless the following conditions are met:

(1) The Notes Collateral Asset Sale is for at least fair market value (such fair market value to be determined on the date of contractually agreeing to such asset sale), as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.

(2) At least 75% of the consideration consists of cash or Cash Equivalents or assets described in clause (3) below of the type constituting Notes Collateral received at closing;provided,however, the non-cash consideration received is pledged as Notes Collateral under the Security Documents substantially simultaneously with such sale, in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Indenture. For purposes of this clause (2), (a) the assumption by the purchaser of Indebtedness or other obligations (other than Subordinated Indebtedness) of AK SteelCliffs or a Guarantor pursuant to a customary novation agreement and (b) instruments or securities received from the purchaser that are promptly, but in any event within 30 days of the closing, converted by AK Steel or a Guarantor to cash, to the extent of the cash actually so received, shall be considered cash received at closing).Guarantor.


(3) Within 365 days after the receipt of any Net Cash Proceeds from a Notes Collateral Asset Sale, the Net Cash Proceeds may be used (x) to acquire all or substantially all of the assets of a Permitted Business or a majority of the Voting Stock of another Person that thereupon becomes a Restricted Subsidiary engaged in a Permitted Business, (y) to make capital expenditures or otherwise acquire long-term assets that are to be used in a Permitted Business;provided that any assets acquired pursuant to subclauses (x) or (y) of a type constituting Notes Collateral are pledged as Notes Collateral under the Security Documents substantially simultaneously with such acquisition in accordance with the requirements of the Indenture, or (z) to repay Indebtedness secured by parity Liens on the Notes Collateral;provided that if AK Steel shall so reduce Obligations under Indebtedness secured by parity Liens on the Notes Collateral pursuant to this clause (3), AK Steel will equally and ratably reduce Obligations under the notes as provided under “Optional Redemption,” through open market purchases (provided that such purchases are at or above 100% of the principal amount thereof) and/or by making an Offer to Purchase to all Holders of notes at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest to but excluding the date of purchase.

(4) The Net Cash Proceeds of a Notes Collateral Asset Sale not applied pursuant to clause (3) within 365 days of the Notes Collateral Asset Sale constitute “Excess Proceeds.” Excess Proceeds of less than $15.0 million will be carried forward and accumulated. When accumulated Excess Proceeds equals or exceeds such amount, AK Holding must, within 30 days, make an Offer to Purchase notes having a principal amount equal to

(A) accumulated Excess Proceeds, multiplied by

(B) a fraction (x) the numerator of which is equal to the outstanding principal amount of the notes and (y) the denominator of which is equal to the outstanding principal amount of the notes and allpari passu Indebtedness secured by parity Liens on the Notes Collateral similarly required to be repaid, redeemed or tendered for in connection with the Notes Collateral Asset Sale, rounded down to the nearest $1,000. The purchase price for the notes will be 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest to but excluding the date of purchase. If the Offer to Purchase is for less than all of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes and notes in an aggregate principal amount in excess of the purchase amount are tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the offer, AK Holding will purchase notes having an aggregate principal amount equal to the purchase amount on a pro rata basis, with adjustments so that only notes in multiples of $1,000 principal amount will be purchased;provided, that no notes of $2,000 or less may be purchased in part. Upon completion of the Offer to Purchase, Excess Proceeds will be reset at zero, and any Excess Proceeds remaining after consummation of the Offer to Purchase may be used for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

The Indenture provides that neither AK Steel nor AK Holding will consolidate with, merge with or into, directly or indirectly, or sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its property and assets (as an entirety or substantially an entirety in one transaction or a series of related transactions) to, any Person, or permit any Person to merge with or into it, unless:

(1)it shall be the continuing Person, or the Person (if other than it) formed by such consolidation or into which it is merged or that acquired or leased such property and assets (the “Surviving Person”), shall be a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America or any jurisdiction thereof, and shall expressly assume, by a supplemental indenture or other instrument, executed and delivered to the Trustee, all of its obligations under the Indenture, the notes, the Registration Rights Agreements and the Security Documents;

(2)immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(3)it delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel, in each case stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture or other instrument complies with this provision and that all conditions precedent provided for herein relating to such transaction have been complied with.

It is understood that AK Holding may merge with or into AK Steel pursuant to the provisions described above. In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, AK Steel or AK Holding may transfer its property or assets to a Guarantor.

The Surviving Person will succeed to, and except in the case of a lease be substituted for, AK Steel or AK Holding, as applicable, under the Indenture and the notes.

Restrictions on Activities of AK Holding

The Indenture provides that AK Holding (a) shall not engage in any activities or hold any assets other than (i) the issuance of Capital Stock, (ii) holding 100% of the Capital Stock of AK Steel and debt securities of AK Steel that were held by AK Holding at the date of the Indenture and (iii) those activities incidental to maintaining its status as a public company, and (b) will not incur any liabilities other than liabilities relating to its Guarantee of the notes, its Guarantee of any other debt of AK Steel, any other Indebtedness it may incur and any other obligations or liabilities incidental to holding 100% of the Capital Stock of AK Steel and its liabilities incidental to its status as a public company;provided, however, that for purposes of this covenant only, the term “liabilities” shall not include any liability for the declaration and payment of dividends on any Capital Stock of AK Holding; andprovided further that if AK Holding merges with or into AK Steel, this covenant shall no longer be applicable.

SEC Reports and

Reports to Holders

Whether or not AK SteelCliffs is then required to file reports with the SEC, AK SteelCliffs shall file with the SEC all such reports and other information as it would be required to file with the SEC by Section 13(a) or 15(d) under the Exchange Act if it were subject thereto within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and regulations. AK Steel shall supplyregulations for an accelerated filer (including any extension as would be permitted by Rule 12b-25 under the TrusteeExchange Act).
Additional Guarantees
If the Company or any Subsidiary acquires or creates another Subsidiary that is a wholly owned U.S. Subsidiary on or after the Issue Date (other than an Excluded Subsidiary), then, within 60 days of the date of such acquisition or creation, as applicable, such Subsidiary must become a Guarantor and each Holder who so requests or shall supplyexecute a supplemental indenture and deliver an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel to the Trustee for forwardingas to each such Holder, without costthe satisfaction of all conditions precedent to such Holder, copies of such reports and other information. AK Steel shall be deemed to have complied with this covenant to the extent that AK Holding files all reports and other information required to be filed with the SEC by Section 13(a) or 15(d)execution under the Exchange Act relating to AK Holding and its consolidated subsidiaries, including AK Steel.

indenture.

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Events of Default

The Indenture provides that eachterm “event of the following constitutes an Event of Defaultdefault” with respect to the notes:

(a) notes means any of the following:

(1)a default in the payment of any interest on the notes, when such payment becomes due and payable, and continuance of that default for a period of 30 days (unless the entire amount of the payment is deposited by Cliffs with the Trustee or with a paying agent prior to the expiration of such period of 30 days);
(2)default in the payment of principal of (oror premium if any, on) any noteon the notes when the samesuch payment becomes due and payable at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption or otherwise;

(b) default in the payment of interest (including additional interest) on any note when the same becomes due and payable, and such default continues for a period of 30 days;

(c) AK Steel defaults in the performance of or breaches any other covenant or agreement in the Indenture applicablepayable;

(3)subject to the notes or under the notes (other than a default specified in clause (a) or (b) above) and such default or breach continues for a period of 90 consecutive days (or, in the case ofimmediately succeeding paragraph, a default in the performance of or breach of theany other covenant described under “—Certain Covenants—SEC Reports and Reports to Holders,” such default or breach continues for a period of 120 consecutive days) after written noticewarranty by the Trustee or the Holders of 25% or more in aggregate principal amount of the notes;

(d) there occurs with respect to any issue or issues of Indebtedness of AK Holding, AK Steel or any Significant Subsidiary having an outstanding principal amount of $75 million or moreus in the aggregate for all such issues of all such Persons, whether such Indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, (I) an event ofindenture, which default that has caused the holder thereof to declare such Indebtedness to be due and payable prior to its stated maturity and such Indebtedness has not been discharged in full or such acceleration has not been rescinded or annulled within 30 days of such acceleration and/or (II) the failure to make a principal payment at the final (but not any interim) fixed maturity and such defaulted payment shall not have been made, waived or extended within 30 days of such payment default;

(e) any final judgment or order (not covered by insurance) for the payment of money in excess of $75 million in the aggregate for all such final judgments or orders against all such Persons (treating any deductibles, self-insurance or retention as not so covered) shall be rendered against AK Holding, AK Steel or any Significant Subsidiary and shall not be paid or discharged, and there shall be any period of 60 consecutive days following entry of the final judgment or order that causes the aggregate amount for all

such final judgments or orders outstanding and not paid or discharged against all such Persons to exceed $75 million during which a stay of enforcement of such final judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect;

(f) a court having jurisdiction in the premises enters a decree or order for (A) relief in respect of AK Holding, AK Steel or any Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, (B) appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of AK Holding, AK Steel or any Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property and assets of AK Holding, AK Steel or any Significant Subsidiary or (C) the winding-up or liquidation of the affairs of AK Holding, AK Steel or any Significant Subsidiary and, in each case, such decree or order shall remain unstayed and in effectcontinues uncured for a period of 60 consecutive days;

(g) AK Holding, AK Steeldays after written notice thereof has been given, by registered or certified mail, to us by the Trustee or to us and the Trustee by the holders of at least 25 percent in principal amount of the notes, as provided in the indenture;

(4)any Guarantee of a Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary (A) commences a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or consents to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, (B) consents to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of AK Holding, AK Steel or any Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property and assets of AK Holding, AK Steel or any Significant Subsidiary or (C) effects any general assignment for the benefit of creditors;

(h) any Guarantor repudiates its obligations under its Note Guarantee or, except as permitted by the Indenture, any Note Guarantee is determined to be unenforceable or invalid or shall for any reason cease to be in full force and effect; or

(i) with respect to Notes Collateral having a fair market value of $75 million, the Liens created by the Security Documents shall at any time not constitute a valid and perfected Lien on such Notes Collateral (to the extent perfection by filing, registration, recordation or possession is required by the Indenture or the Security Documents), or, except for expiration in accordance with its terms or amendment, modification, waiver, termination or release in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, any of the Security Documents shall for whatever reason be terminated or ceaseceases to be in full force and effect (except as contemplated by the terms of the indenture and the Guarantees) or is declared null and void in a judicial proceeding or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary denies or disaffirms its obligations under the indenture;

(5)there occurs a default under any Debt of the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of the Guarantors), whether such Debt or guarantee now exists, or is created after the Issue Date, if that default:
(a)is caused by a failure to pay any such Debt at its final stated maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace period) (a “Payment Default”); or
(b)results in the acceleration of such Debt prior to its final stated maturity,
(c)and, in either case, the aggregate principal amount of any such default continuesDebt, together with the aggregate principal amount of any other such Debt under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $75.0 million or more;
(6)failure by the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries to pay final and non-appealable judgments entered by a court or courts of competent jurisdiction aggregating in excess of $75.0 million (net of any amount covered by insurance issued by a national insurance company that has not contested coverage), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 30 consecutive days after notice,60 days; or the enforceability thereof shall be contested by AK Steel
(7)certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of Cliffs or any Subsidiary Guarantor.

If an Eventevent of Defaultdefault (other than an Eventevent of Default specified in clause (f)default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or (g) above that occursreorganization of the Company or any Guarantor) with respect to AK Steel)the notes occurs and is continuing, under the Indenture, the Trustee by written notice to the Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding notes by written notice to AK Steel (andthe Company and the Trustee, may, and the Trustee at the written request of such Holders shall, declare all such notes to be due and payable. If an event of default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company or any Guarantor occurs, then all outstanding notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice.
Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. Subject to the provisions of
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the indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee, in case an event of default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the indenture, the notes and the Guarantees at the request or direction of any Holders of notes unless such holders have offered to the Trustee if such notice is given byindemnity or security satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense. Except to enforce the Holders), may declare theright to receive payment of principal, of, premium, if any, and accruedor interest onwhen due, no holder may pursue any remedy with respect to the indenture or the notes to be immediately due and payable. Upon a declaration of acceleration, unless:
(1)such principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest shall be immediately due and payable. Inholder has previously given the event of a declaration of acceleration becauseTrustee written notice that an Event of Default set forth in clause (d) above has occurred and is continuing, such declaration of acceleration shall be automatically rescinded and annulled if the event of default triggering such Event of Default pursuant to clause (d) shall be remedied or cured by AK Holding, AK Steel or the relevant Significant Subsidiary or waived by the is continuing;
(2)holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the relevant Indebtednessthen outstanding notes have requested the Trustee in writing to pursue the remedy;
(3)such holders have offered the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense;
(4)the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the declarationreceipt of the written request and the offer of security or indemnity; and
(5)holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.

The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes by written notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of the holders of all of the notes, rescind an acceleration or waive any existing default or event of default and its consequences under the indenture except a continuing default or event of default in the payment of interest or premium on, or the principal of, the notes.
Modification and Waiver
We may modify and amend the indenture, the notes and the Guarantees with respect thereto. Ifthe consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes. We may not make any modification or amendment without the consent of each holder of notes then outstanding if that amendment will:
(1)reduce the principal amount of notes whose holders must consent to an Eventamendment, supplement or waiver;
(2)reduce the rate of Default specified in clause (f) or (g) above occursextend the time for payment of interest (including default interest) on any note;
(3)reduce the principal or change the stated maturity date of any note or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation with respect to AK Steel,any note;
(4)waive a default in the payment of the principal of, premium or interest, if any, on any debt security (except a rescission of acceleration of the notes by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes and accrueda waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);
(5)make the principal of, premium or interest on any note payable in currency other than that stated in the notes then outstanding shall automatically become and be immediately due and payable withoutnotes;
(6)make any declaration or other act on the partchange to certain provisions of the Trusteeindenture relating to, among other things, the right of holders of notes to receive payment of the principal of, premium and interest on those notes and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment and to waivers or amendments;
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(7)waive a redemption payment that is made at the option of Cliffs, with respect to any Holder. The Holdersnote; or
(8)release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Guarantee or the indenture, except in accordance with the terms of the indenture.
Except for certain specified provisions, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes by written notice to AK Steel and tomay on behalf of the Trustee, mayholders of all notes waive allany past defaults and rescind and annul a declaration of accelerationdefault or any existing default under the indenture and its consequences, if (x) all existing Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the notes that have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived and (y) the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree ofexcept a court of competent jurisdiction. For information as to the waiver of defaults, see “—Modification and Waiver.”

The Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the Indenture, that may involve the Trustee in personal liability, or that the Trustee determines in good faith may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of Holders of notes not joiningdefault in the giving of such direction and may take any other action it deems proper that is not inconsistent with any such direction received from Holders of notes. A Holder may not pursue any remedy with respect to the Indenture or the notes unless:

(1) the Holder gives the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default;

(2) the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of outstanding notes make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

(3) such Holder or Holders offer the Trustee indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any costs, liability or expense;

(4) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of indemnity; and

(5) during such 60-day period, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes do not give the Trustee a direction that is inconsistent with the request.

However, such limitations do not apply to the right of any Holder of a note to receive payment of the principal of, premium or interest, if any, or interest on such note or to bring suit forany note; provided, however, that the enforcementholders of any such payment, on or after the due date expresseda majority in principal amount of the notes which right shall not be impaired or affectedmay rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from such acceleration.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any holder of notes, the Holder.

An officerCompany, the Guarantors (with respect to the Guarantees) and the Trustee may amend or supplement the indenture, the notes and the Guarantees (except that no existing Guarantor need execute a supplemental indenture pursuant to clause (7) below):

(1)to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;
(2)to provide for uncertificated notes in addition to or in place of AK Steel must certify, on or before a date not more than 90 days aftercertificated notes;
(3)to provide for the end of each fiscal year, that a review has been conductedassumption of the activitiesCompany’s or a Guarantor’s obligations to holders of AK Steelnotes and its SubsidiariesGuarantees in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s or such Guarantor’s assets, as applicable;
(4)to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the holders of notes or that does not materially and AK Steel’s and its Subsidiaries’ performanceadversely affect the legal rights under the Indentureindenture, the notes and that AK Steel has fulfilled all obligations thereunder, or, if there has been a default in the fulfillmentGuarantees of any such obligation, specifying each such defaultholder;
(5)to conform the text of the indenture, the Guarantees or the notes to any provision of this “Description of the Notes”;
(6)to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations set forth in the indenture as of the Issue Date;
(7)to allow any Guarantor to execute a supplemental indenture and/or a Guarantee with respect to the notes, or to add any additional obligors under the indenture, the notes or the Guarantees;
(8)to add collateral to secure the notes;
(9)to comply with the provisions under “—Certain Covenants—Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets”;
(10) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of an appointment by a successor Trustee; and
(11) to provide for the issuance of the Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer.
Satisfaction and Discharge
The indenture will be discharged and will, subject to certain surviving provisions, cease to be of further effect as to all notes issued thereunder and the nature and status thereof. AK Steel will also be obligated to notify the Trustee of any default or defaults in the performance of any covenants or agreements under the Indenture.

Guarantees thereof when:

Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance(1)

The Indenture shall be satisfied and discharged if (i) AK Steel shallwe deliver to the Trustee all outstanding notes then outstandingissued under the indenture (other than notes replaced because of mutilation, loss, destruction or wrongful taking) for cancellationcancellation; or (ii) 

(2)all notes not delivered tooutstanding under the Trustee for cancellation shallindenture have become due and payable, are towhether at maturity or as a result of the mailing or sending of a notice of redemption or will become due and payable
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within one year (including as result of the mailing or are to be calledsending of a notice of redemption), and we irrevocably deposit with the Trustee as funds in trust solely for redemption within one year and AK Steel shall deposit an amountthe benefit of the holders of notes, cash in U.S. dollars, noncallable U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all notes outstanding under the principal, premium, if any,indenture, including interest thereon; and interest to
certain other conditions specified in the dateindenture are met.
The Trustee will acknowledge satisfaction and discharge of maturity, redemption or deposit (in the caseindenture on our demand accompanied by an officer’s certificate and an opinion of notes that have become due and payable), providedthat in either case AK Steelcounsel, upon which the Trustee shall have paidno liability in relying, stating that all other sums payable under the Indenture.

conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been complied with.

Legal Defeasance and DischargeCovenant Defeasance
Legal Defeasance

. The Indentureindenture provides that AK Steel will be deemed to have paid and willwe may be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the notes after the deposit referred to below, and the provisions of the Indenture will no longer be in effect with respect to the notes (except for among other matters, certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange of the notes, to apply funds, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated notes, and to maintain paying agencies and to hold monies for payment in trust) if, among other things:

(A) AK Steel has deposited with the Trustee, in trust, money and/or U.S. Government Obligations that through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient without consideration of any reinvestment of such principal and interest, as certified by the chief financial officer of AK Steel in a written certification deliveredcertain provisions relating to the Trustee, to paytreatment of funds held by paying agents), the principal of, premium, if any,Guarantees and accrued interest on the notes (i) on the stated maturity of such

payments in accordance with the termsindenture; and all obligations of the Indenture and the notes or (ii) on any earlier Redemption Date pursuant to the terms of the Indenture and the notes;provided that AK Steel has provided the Trustee with irrevocable instructions to redeem all of the outstanding notes on such Redemption Date;

(B) AK Steel has delivered to the Trustee (1) either (x) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of AK Steel’s exercise of its option under this “Defeasance” provision and willGuarantors may be subject to federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred, which Opinion of Counsel must be based upon (and accompanied by a copy of) a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service to the same effect unless there has been a change in applicable federal income tax law after the Closing Date such that a ruling is no longer required or (y) a ruling directed to the Trustee received from the Internal Revenue Service to the same effect as the aforementioned Opinion of Counsel and (2) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the creation of the defeasance trust does not violate the Investment Company Act of 1940; and

(C) immediately after giving effect to such deposit on a pro forma basis, no Event of Default, or event that after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default, and such deposit shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other material agreement or instrument to which AK Steel or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which AK Steel or any of its Subsidiaries is bound.

Defeasance of Certain Covenants and Certain Events of Default

The Indenture further provides that the provisions of the Indenture will no longer be in effectdischarged with respect to the provisions of the Indenture described herein under “Change of Control,” and all the covenants described herein under “—Certain Covenants,” clauses (c), (d), (e), (h) and (i) under “—Events of Default,” shalltheir Guarantees. We will be deemed not to be Events of Default, in each case with respect to the notes,so discharged upon among other things, the deposit with the Trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations, that, through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms, will provide not later than one day before the due date of any payment of money, in an amount in cash, sufficient, without considerationin the opinion of any reinvestmenta nationally recognized firm of suchindependent public accountants to pay and discharge each installment of principal, premium and interest as certified byon and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the chief financial officer of AK Steel in a written certification delivered to the Trustee, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interestnotes on the notes (i) on the Stated Maturitystated maturity of suchthose payments in accordance with the terms of the Indentureindenture and the notesnotes.

This defeasance will occur only if, among other things, such deposit will not result in a breach or (ii) onviolation of, or constitute a default under the indenture or any earlier Redemption Date pursuantother material agreement to the terms of the Indenturewhich Cliffs is bound and the notes;provided that AK Steel has provided the Trustee with irrevocable instructions to redeem all of the outstanding notes on such Redemption Date, the satisfaction of the provisions described in clauses (B)(2) and (C) of the preceding paragraph and the delivery by AK Steelwe have delivered to the Trustee an officer’s certificate and an opinion of an Opinioncounsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service a ruling or, since the date of Counselexecution of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, among other things,and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holdersbeneficial owners of the notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of suchthe deposit, defeasance and defeasance of certain covenants and Events of Defaultdischarge and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amountamounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred.
Defeasance of Certain Covenants. The indenture provides that, upon compliance with certain conditions as described below:
(1)we may omit to comply with the covenants described under the heading “—Certain Covenants—Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets,” “—Certain Covenants—Restrictions on Liens” and “—Certain Covenants—Restrictions on Sale and Leaseback Transactions”; and
(2)any omission to comply with those covenants will not constitute an event which, after notice or passage of time, or both, would become a default or an event of default (“covenant defeasance”).
    The conditions include:
(1)depositing with the Trustee in trust money and/or U.S. Government Obligations that, through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms, will provide not later than one day before the due date of any payment of money, an amount in cash, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants to pay and discharge each
47


installment of principal of, premium and interest on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the notes on the stated maturity of those payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and the notes;
(2)that such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the indenture or any other agreement to which Cliffs or the Guarantors are bound; and
(3)delivering to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the beneficial owners of the notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and related covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit and related covenant defeasance had not occurred.

Covenant Defeasance and Events of Default. In the event AK Steel exercises itswe exercise our option to omit compliance with certain covenants and provisions of the Indenture with respect to the notes as described in the immediately preceding paragrapheffect covenant defeasance and the notes are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of an Eventany event of Default that remains applicable,default, the amount of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations on deposit with the Trustee will be sufficient to pay amounts due on the notes at the time of their Stated Maturitystated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the notes at the time of the acceleration resulting from such Eventthe event of Default.default. However, AK Steel willwe shall remain liable for those payments.
Governing Law
The indenture, the notes and the Guarantees are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
Certain Definitions
Following are the meanings of certain defined terms used in the indenture. Reference is made to those documents for a full disclosure of all defined terms used therein.
“ABL Agent” means Bank of America, N.A., acting in its capacity as collateral agent under the ABL Facility, or any successor thereto in such paymentscapacity.
“ABL Facility” means (i) the agreement, dated as of February 28, 2018, among the Company, the Subsidiaries of the Company that borrow or guarantee obligations under such agreement from time to time, as “Credit Parties”, the lenders parties thereto from time to time and AK Holding’s Note GuaranteeBank of America, N.A., as agent (or its successor in such capacity), and (ii) any such agreement that amends, amends and restates, or replaces the existing ABL Facility, in each such case, together with the related notes, letters of credit, guarantees and security documents, and, in each case, as the same may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or modified from time to time and any renewal, increase, extension, refunding, restructuring, replacement or refinancing thereof (whether with the original administrative agent and lenders or another administrative agent, collateral agent or agents or one or more other lenders or additional borrowers or guarantors and whether provided under the original ABL Facility or one or more other credit or other agreements or indentures).
“ABL Facility Obligations” means all ABL Obligations under the ABL Facility.
“ABL Obligations” means (i) Debt outstanding under the ABL Facility, and all other Obligations (not constituting Debt) of the Company or any Guarantor under the ABL Facility and (ii) Bank Product Obligations owed to an agent, arranger or lender or other secured party under such Debt Facility (even if the respective agent, arranger or lender or other secured party subsequently ceases to be an agent, arranger or lender or other secured party under the ABL Facility for any reason) or any of their respective affiliates, assigns or successors.
“Adjusted Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, (i) the yield, under the heading which represents the average for the immediately preceding week, appearing in the most
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recently published statistical release designated “H.15(519)” or any successor publication which is published weekly by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity under “Treasury Constant Maturities,” for the maturity corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue (if no maturity is within three months before or after March 15, 2022, yields for the two published maturities most closely corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue shall be determined and the Adjusted Treasury Rate shall be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a straight line basis, rounding to the nearest month) or (ii) if such release (or any successor release) is not published during the week preceding the calculation date or does not contain such yields, the rate per year equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption date, in each case calculated on the third Business Day immediately preceding the redemption date, plus 0.50%.
“Applicable Premium” means with respect to a note at any redemption date the excess of (if any) (A) the present value at such redemption date of (1) the redemption price of such note on March 15, 2022 (such redemption price being described in the second paragraph under “—Optional Redemption”) plus (2) all required remaining scheduled interest payments will remaindue on such note through March 15, 2022, excluding in effect.

Modificationeach case accrued and Waiver

The Indentureunpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date, computed by the Company using a discount rate equal to the Adjusted Treasury Rate, over (B) the principal amount of such note on such redemption date.

“Attributable Debt” means the present value (discounted at the rate of interest implicit in the terms of the lease) of the obligation of a lessee for net rental payments during the remaining term of any lease (including any period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the Security Documents mayoption of the lessor, be amended,extended).
“Bank Product” means any one or more of the following financial products or accommodations extended to the Company or its Subsidiaries by a holder of ABL Facility Obligations or an affiliate of such person (or a person that was a holder or affiliate of such person at the time such person entered into such product or accommodation) or such product or accommodation that was designated as a Bank Product pursuant to the terms of the ABL Facility: (a) credit cards (including commercial cards (including so-called “purchase cards”, “procurement cards” or “p-cards”)), (b) credit card processing services, (c) debit cards, (d) stored value cards, (e) cash management services, (f) supply chain financing, or (g) transactions under Hedge Agreements.
“Bank Product Agreements” means those agreements entered into from time to time by the Company or its Subsidiaries in connection with the obtaining of any of the Bank Products.
“Bank Product Obligations” means (a) all obligations, liabilities, reimbursement obligations, fees, or expenses owing by the Company and its Subsidiaries to any holder of ABL Facility Obligations or any of their respective affiliates pursuant to or evidenced by a Bank Product Agreement and irrespective of whether for the payment of money, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, (b) all Hedging Obligations and (c) all amounts that ABL Agent or any holder of ABL Facility Obligations is obligated to pay as a result of ABL Agent or such holder of the ABL Facility Obligations purchasing participations from, or executing guarantees or indemnities or reimbursement obligations with respect to the notes, withoutBank Products to the consentCompany or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy,” as now and hereafter in effect, or any successor statute.
“Borrowing Base” means as of any Holder, to:

(1) cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistencydate of determination, the sum of (a) 85% (or 90% in the Indenture,provided that such amendments shall not adversely affect the interestscase of Holders in any material respect;

(2) comply with the provisions described under “—Certain Covenants—Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets”;

(3) comply with any requirementsinvestment grade accounts) of the SEC in connection with the qualificationface amount of all accounts, payment intangibles and other receivables of the Indenture underCompany and its Subsidiaries, plus (b) the Trust Indenture Act or in order to maintain such qualification;

(4) evidence and provide for the acceptancegreater of appointment by a successor Trustee;

(5) provide for the issuance of Additional Notes;

(6) make any change that, in the good faith opinion(i) 80% of the boardgross book value of directorsall inventory and as-extracted collateral of AK Steel, does not materiallythe Company and adversely affectits Subsidiaries and (ii) 85% multiplied by the rightsnet orderly liquidation value of such inventory and as-extracted collateral, plus (c) the greater of (i) 100%

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of the gross book value of all Mobile Equipment of the Company and its Subsidiaries and (ii) 85% multiplied by the net orderly liquidation value of such equipment, minus any Holder under the Indentureapplicable reserves, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP.
“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law to close in New York City or the Security Documents;

(7) to conform any provision toplace of payment.

“Calculation Date” means the “Descriptiondate on which the event for which the calculation of the Notes” in the offering memorandum for the original offering of initial notes; or

(8) to provide for any Guarantee of the notes, to secure the notes or any Guarantee of the notes or to confirm and evidence the release, termination or discharge of any Guarantee of or Lien securing the notes when such release, termination or discharge is permitted by the Indenture.

In addition, the Security Documents may be amended without any Holder’s consent to add additional secured creditors holding other Parity Lien Obligations so long as such obligations (and the Liens securing them) are not prohibited by the Indenture.

Consolidated Secured Leverage Ratio shall occur.

“Capital Stock” means:
Modifications and amendments of the Indenture affecting the notes or the Security Documents may be made with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes;provided,however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of each Holder affected thereby,(1)

(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of interest on, any note;

(2) reduce the principal amount of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any note;

(3) change the optional redemption dates or optional redemption prices of the notes from that stated under the caption “—Optional Redemption;”

(4) change the place or currency of payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any note;

(5) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or after the Stated Maturity (or, in the case of a redemption, oncorporation, corporate stock or after the Redemption Date) of any note;

(6) waive a default shares;

(2)in the paymentcase of principal of, premium, if any,an association or interest on the notes;

(7) modify any of the provisions of this “Modification and Waiver” requiring the consent of a requisite number of Holders, except to increase any percentage requiring consent or to provide that certain other provisions of the Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding note;

(8) release any Guarantor from its Note Guarantee, except as provided in the Indenture;

(9) amend, change or modify the obligation of AK Steel to make and consummate an Offer to Purchase under the “Change of Control” covenant after a Change of Control Repurchase Event has occurred, including, in each case, amending, changing or modifying any definition relating thereto;

(10) reduce the percentage or aggregate principal amount of outstanding notes the consent of whose Holders is necessary for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture or for waiver of certain defaults;

(11) modify or change any provision of the Indenture affecting the ranking of the notes or any Note Guarantee in a manner adverse to any Holder; or

(12) make any change in the provisions of the Security Documents dealing with the application of the proceeds of Notes Collateral from the Lien under the Indenture and the Security Documents with respect to the notes that would adversely affect the Holders.

Without the consent of the Holders of at least two-thirds in aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding, no amendment or waiver may release from the Lien of the Indenture and the Security Documents all or substantially all of the Notes Collateral.

Definitions

Set forth below are defined terms used in the covenants and other provisions of the Indenture insofar as relevant to the notes. Reference is made to the Indenture for other capitalized terms used in this “Description of the Registered Notes” for which no definition is provided.

“ABL Collateral” means (a) all inventory (as defined in the New York UCC), (b) all receivables (meaning, all accounts (as defined in the New York UCC) owned by AK Steel and all other rights, titles or interests that, in accordance with GAAP, would be included in receivables on its balance sheet (including any such account and/or rights, titles or interests that might be characterized as chattel paper, documents, instruments or general intangibles under the UCC in any jurisdiction), in each case arising from the sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of inventory, and all of AK Steel’s rights to any goods, services or other property related to any of the foregoing and all collateral security and supporting obligations of any kind given by any Person with respect to any of the foregoing), (c) all contracts for sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of inventory, whether or not performed and whether or not subject to termination upon a contingency or at the option of any party thereto, (d) all documents (as defined in the UCC) covering inventory, (e) each deposit account (as defined in the Credit Agreement)(excluding the Concentration Account, as defined in the Credit Agreement) in which proceeds of inventory or receivables or ABL Collateral are deposited, (f) all trademarks, servicemarks, trade names and similar intangible property owned or used by AK Steel in its business together with the goodwill of the business symbolized thereby and all rights relating thereto,provided that the rights of the agent under the Credit Agreement, on behalf of the lenders under the Credit Agreement, shall be limited to the use of such collateral to manufacture process and sell the inventory, (g) all books and records (including customer lists, credit files, computer programs, printouts and other computer materials and records) of AK Steel pertaining to any of the collateral, and (h) all other proceeds of the collateral described in the foregoing clauses (a) through (g).

“Affiliate” means, as applied to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with, such Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as applied to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

“Attributable Debt,” in respect of any Sale and Leaseback Transaction, means, as of the time of determination, the total obligation (discounted to present value at the rate per annum equal to the discount rate which would be applicable to a capital lease obligation with like term in accordance with GAAP) of the lessee for rental payments (other than amounts required to be paid on account of property taxes, maintenance, repairs, insurance, water rates and other items which do not constitute payments for property rights) during the remaining portion of the initial term of the lease included in such Sale and Leaseback Transaction.

“Bank Obligations” means all Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, and all Obligations in respect thereof.

“Board of Directors” means the board of directors of AK Holding.

“Capital Stock” means, with respect to any Person,entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated, whether votingdesignated) or non-voting) in equity of such Person, whether outstanding on the Closing Date or issued thereafter, including, without limitation, all common stock and preferred stock but excluding any convertible or exchangeable debt securities.

“Cash Equivalents” means

(1) U.S. dollars, or money in other currencies received corporate stock;

(3)in the ordinary coursecase of AK Steel’s business,

(2) U.S. Government Obligationsa partnership or certificates representing an ownershiplimited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and

(4)any other interest in U.S. Government Obligations with maturities not exceeding one year fromor participation that confers on a Person the date of acquisition,

(3) (i) demand deposits, (ii) time deposits and certificates of deposit with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, (iii) bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year from the date of acquisition, and (iv) overnight bank deposits, in each case with any bank or trust company organized or licensed under the lawsright to receive a share of the United Statesprofits and losses of, or any state thereof having capital, surplus and undivided profits in excessdistribution of $500 million whose short-term debt is rated “A-2” or higher by S&P or “P-2” or higher by Moody’s,

(4) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securitiesassets of, the type described in clauses (2) and (3) above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3) above,

(5) commercial paper rated at least P-1 by Moody’s or A-1 by S&P and maturing within one year after the date of acquisition, and

(6) money market funds at least 95% of the assets of which consist of investments of the type described in clauses (1) through (5).

“Changeissuing Person.

    “Change of Control” means such time as:

the occurrence of any of the following:

(1)the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of AK SteelCliffs and its Subsidiaries,subsidiaries taken as a whole to any “person” or “group” (as those terms are used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other than to Cliffs or one of its subsidiaries;
(2)the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any “person” or “group” (as those terms are used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, it being agreed that an employee of Cliffs or any of its subsidiaries for whom shares are held under an employee stock ownership, employee retirement, employee savings or similar plan and whose shares are voted in accordance with the instructions of such employee shall not be a member of a “group” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act);

(2) solely because such employee’s shares are held by a “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act)trustee under said plan) becomes the ultimate “beneficial owner” (as defined in RuleRules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of Voting Stock representing more than 50%50 percent of the total voting power of our outstanding Voting Stock or of the Voting Stock of AK Holding on a fully diluted basis;

(3) the adoptionany of a plan relating to the liquidationCliffs’ direct or dissolution of AK Holding or AK Steel;

(4) individuals who on the Closing Date constitute the Board of Directors (together with any new directors whose election by the Board of Directors or whose nomination by the Board of Directors for election by AK Holding’s stockholders was approved by a vote of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors then in office who either were members of the Board of Directors on the Closing Date or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the members of the Board of Directors then in office;

(5) AK Holding or AK Steel consolidatesindirect parent companies;

(3)we consolidate with, or mergesmerge with or into, any Person, or any Person consolidates with, or merges with or into, AK Holding or AK Steel,us, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of theour outstanding Voting Stock of AK Holding or AK Steel, as the case may be, orVoting Stock of such other Person is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where (A) theour Voting Stock of AK Holding or AK Steel outstanding immediately prior to such transaction constitutes, or is converted into or exchanged for, Voting Stock of the surviving or transferee Person constitutingrepresenting at least a majority of the outstanding shares of such Voting Stock of such surviving or transferee Person (immediately after giving effect to such issuance) and (B) immediately after such transaction, no “person”

or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes, directly or indirectly, the Beneficial Owner of 50% or more of the voting power of the Voting Stock of the surviving Person immediately after giving effect to such transaction; or

(4)the adoption of a plan relating to our liquidation or transferee Person; or

(6) AK Holding fails to own 100% ofdissolution.

Notwithstanding the Capital Stock of AK Steel;provided, however, that it shallforegoing, a transaction will not be deemed to involve a Change of Control solely because we become a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of a holding company if AK Holding merges into AK Steel, exceptthe direct or indirect holders of the Voting Stock of such holding company immediately following that in such case, AK Steel shall be substituted for AK Holding for purposestransaction are substantially the same as the holders of this definition of “Change of Control,” and this clause (6) shall no longer be applicable.our Voting Stock immediately prior to that transaction.
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“Change of Control RepurchaseTriggering Event” means, with respect to the notes, (i) the rating of the notes is lowered by each of the Rating Agencies on any date during the period (the “Trigger Period”) commencing on the earlier of (a) the occurrence of both a Change of Control and (b) the first public announcement by us of any Change of Control (or pending Change of Control), and ending 60 days following consummation of such Change of Control (which Trigger Period will be extended following consummation of a Ratings Event.

“Closing Date” meansChange of Control for so long as any of the dateRating Agencies has publicly announced that it is considering a possible ratings change), and (ii) the notes are rated below Investment Grade by each of the Rating Agencies on whichany day during the initial notes were issued underTrigger Period; provided that a Change of Control Trigger Event will not be deemed to have occurred in respect of a particular Change of Control if each Rating Agency making the Indenture.

“Collateral Agent” meansreduction in rating does not publicly announce or confirm or inform the Trustee in writing at our request that the reduction was the result, in whole or in part, of any event or circumstance comprised of or arising as a result of, or in respect of, the Change of Control.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Change of Control Triggering Event will be deemed to have occurred in connection with any particular Change of Control unless and until such Change of Control has actually been consummated.
“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security selected by the Quotation Agent as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the notes from the redemption date to March 15, 2022, that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of a maturity most nearly equal to March 15, 2022.
“Comparable Treasury Price” means, with respect to any redemption date, if clause (ii) of the definition of Adjusted Treasury Rate is applicable, the average of three, or such lesser number as is obtained by the Company, Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date.
“Consolidated EBITDA” means, with respect to any Person and its capacityconsolidated Subsidiaries in reference to any period, Consolidated Net Income for such period plus, without duplication,
(a)all amounts deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income amount in respect of (i) the sum of all interest charges for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, (ii) federal, state and local income taxes as accrued for such period, (iii) depreciation of fixed assets and amortization of intangible assets for such period, (iv) non-cash items decreasing Consolidated Net Income for such period, including, without limitation, non-cash compensation expense, (v) transaction costs, fees and expenses associated with the Collateral Agentissuance of Debt or the extension, renewal, refunding, restructuring, refinancing or replacement of Debt (whether or not consummated) (but excluding any such costs amortized through or otherwise included or to be included in interest expense for any period), (vi) Debt extinguishment costs, (vii) losses on discontinued operations, (viii) amounts attributable to minority interests and (ix) any additional non-cash losses, expenses and charges, minus, without duplication,
(b)the sum of (i) cash payments made during such period in respect of items added to the calculation of Consolidated Net Income pursuant to clause (a)(iv) or clause (a)(ix) above during such period or any collateral agent appointed byprevious period, and (ii) non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period.
“Consolidated Net Income” means with respect to any Person and its consolidated Subsidiaries in reference to any period, the Trustee pursuantnet income (or net loss) of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period computed on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded, without duplication, from Consolidated Net Income (to the extent otherwise included therein):
(i)the net income (or net loss) of any Person accrued prior to the Indenturedate it becomes a Subsidiary of, or has merged into or consolidated with, such person or another Subsidiary of such Person;
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(ii)the net income (or net loss) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries has an equity interest in, except to the extent of the amount of dividends or other distributions actually paid to the such Person or its Subsidiaries during such period;
(iii)any net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to asset sales or dispositions, in each case other than in the ordinary course of business;
(iv)any net after-tax extraordinary gains or losses;
(v)the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles; and
(vi)any gains or losses due to fluctuations in currency values and the Security Documents.

related tax effects calculated in accordance with GAAP.

“Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means the totalaggregate amount of assets of AK Holding(less applicable reserves and its Subsidiariesother properly deductible items) after deducting therefrom (a) all intangible assets, current liabilities (excluding any thereof which are by their terms extendible or renewable at the option of the obligor thereon to a time more than 12 months after the time as of which the amount thereof is being computed) and minority interests, if any, in any assets of the Subsidiaries, all as would be set forth on the most recently available quarterly or annual consolidated balance sheet of AK Holding and its Subsidiaries, prepared in conformity with GAAP.

“Credit Agreement” means the loan and security agreement dated as of April 28, 2011, among AK Steel, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as agent, together with any related documents, as such agreement may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, refinanced or replaced or substituted from time to time.

“Default” means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

“Equity Interests” means all Capital Stock and all warrants or options with respect to, or other rights to purchase, Capital Stock, but excluding Indebtedness convertible into equity.

“Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is not organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof.

“Funded Debt” means all Indebtednessindebtedness for money borrowed having a maturity of moreless than 12 months from the date as of which the determination is made or having a maturitymost recent consolidated balance sheet of 12 months or lessCliffs but which by its terms beingis renewable or extendable beyond 12 months from such date at the option of the borrower,borrower) and (b) all goodwill, trade names, patents, unamortized debt discount and expense and any other like intangibles, all as set forth on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of Cliffs and computed in accordance with GAAP.

“Consolidated Secured Leverage Ratio” means, with respect to any specified Person on any Calculation Date, the ratio of (1) the sum of the aggregate outstanding amount of Debt of such Person and its Subsidiaries secured by a Lien, determined on a consolidated basis as of the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the Calculation Date, in effect on such Calculation Date, to (2) the Consolidated EBITDA of such Person and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the Calculation Date.
For purposes of calculating the Consolidated Secured Leverage Ratio:
(1)(A) acquisitions that have been made by the specified Person or any of its Subsidiaries, including through mergers or consolidations, or any Person or any of its Subsidiaries acquired by the specified Person or any of its Subsidiaries, and including any related financing transactions and including increases in ownership of Subsidiaries, (B) discontinued operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP), and (C) operations or businesses (and ownership interests therein) disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, in each case, during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to the Calculation Date will be given pro forma effect (as determined in good faith by the chief financial officer of the Company calculated on a basis that is consistent with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) as if they had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period;
(2)(A) in the event that such Person or any Subsidiary incurs, assumes, guarantees, redeems, repays, retires or extinguishes any Debt (other than Debt incurred or repaid under any revolving credit facility in the ordinary course of business for working capital purposes), subsequent to the end of the most recent fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available but excludingon or prior to or simultaneously with the Calculation Date, then the Consolidated Secured Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, guarantee, redemption, repayment, retirement or extinguishment of Debt, as if the same had occurred on the last day of such most recent fiscal quarter and (B) the Consolidated Secured Leverage Ratio shall be calculated assuming that any revolving Debt Facility (including the ABL Facility) is fully drawn; and
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(3)the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of any Debt denominated in a foreign currency will reflect the currency translation effects, determined in accordance with GAAP, of Hedging Obligations for currency exchange risks with respect to the applicable currency in effect on the date of determination of the U.S. dollar equivalent principal amount of such Indebtedness owedDebt.
“Debt” means indebtedness for money borrowed that in accordance with applicable generally accepted accounting principles would be reflected on the balance sheet of the obligor as a liability as of the date on which Debt is to AK Holdingbe determined.
“Debt Facility” or a“Debt Facilities” means, with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, one or more debt facilities (which may be outstanding, at the same time and including, without limitation, the ABL Facility) or commercial paper facilities with banks or other lenders providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such lenders against such receivables), letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances or issuances of debt securities evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or similar instruments, in each case, as amended, restated, supplemented, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced (including by means of sales of debt securities to institutional investors, including convertible or exchangeable debt securities) in whole or in part from time to time (and whether or not with the original trustee, administrative agent, holders and lenders or another trustee, administrative agent or agents or other holders or lenders or additional borrowers or guarantors and whether provided under the ABL Facility or any other credit agreement or other agreement or indenture).
“DTC” means The Depository Trust Company or any successor securities clearing agency.
“Exchange Notes” means the debt securities of the Company to be issued pursuant to the indenture in exchange for, and in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed, the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be exchanged, in compliance with the terms of the applicable Registration Rights Agreement, which debt securities will have terms substantially identical in all material respects to the notes to be exchanged (except that such debt securities will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions).
“Excluded Subsidiaries” means (i) any direct or indirect Foreign Subsidiary of AK Holding.

the Company, (ii) any non-Foreign Subsidiary if substantially all of its assets consist of the Voting Stock or indebtedness of one or more direct or indirect Foreign Subsidiaries of the Company, (iii) any non-Foreign Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary, (iv) any Subsidiary that is an Immaterial Subsidiary, (v) any non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary, to the extent, and for so long as, a guarantee by such Subsidiary of the obligations of Cliffs under any of the Secured Notes Documents would be prohibited by the terms of any organizational document, joint venture agreement or shareholder’s agreement applicable to such Subsidiary; provided that such prohibition existed on the Issue Date or, with respect to any Subsidiary formed or acquired after the Issue Date (and, in the case of any Subsidiary acquired after the Issue Date, for so long as such prohibition was not incurred in contemplation of such acquisition), on the date such Subsidiary is so formed or acquired, (vi) any parent entity of any non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary, to the extent, and for so long as, a guarantee by such Subsidiary of the obligations of Cliffs under any of the Secured Notes Documents would be prohibited by the terms of any organizational document, joint venture agreement or shareholder’s agreement applicable to the non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary to which such Subsidiary is a parent; provided that (A) such prohibition existed on the Issue Date or, with respect to any Subsidiary formed or acquired after the Issue Date (and, in the case of any Subsidiary acquired after the Issue Date, for so long as such prohibition was not incurred in contemplation of such acquisition), on the date such Subsidiary is so formed or acquired and (B) a direct or indirect parent company of such parent entity (1) shall be a Guarantor and (2) shall be a holding company not engaged in any business activities or having any assets or liabilities other than (x) its ownership and acquisition of the Capital Stock of the applicable joint venture (or any other entity holding an ownership interest in such joint venture), together with activities directly related thereto, (y) actions required by law to maintain its existence and (z) activities incidental to its maintenance and continuance and to the foregoing activities; (vii) Cleveland-Cliffs International Holding Company, so long as substantially all of its assets consist of equity interests in, or

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indebtedness of, one or more Foreign Subsidiaries, (viii) Wabush Iron Co. Limited and (ix) any Subsidiary of a Person described in the foregoing clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii) or (viii), provided in each case that such Subsidiary has not guaranteed any Obligations of the Company or any co-borrowers or guarantors under (y) any of the Secured Notes Documents or (z) the ABL Facility (other than any Obligations of a co-borrower or guarantor that is a Foreign Subsidiary).
“Existing Indebtedness” means Debt of the Company and, as applicable, any of its Subsidiaries (other than Debt under the ABL Facility and the Secured Notes) in existence on the Issue Date, until such amounts are repaid.
“Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Company that was not formed under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States or the District of Columbia.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, consistently applied, as set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or in such other statements by such other entity as have beenmay be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession of the United States, which arewere in effect as of December 31, 2018.
“Guarantee” means any guarantee of the obligations of the Company under the indenture and the notes by any Person in accordance with the provisions of the indenture.
“Hedge Agreement” means a “swap agreement” as that term is defined in Section 101(53B)(A) of the Bankruptcy Code.
“Hedging Obligations” means any and all obligations or liabilities, whether absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising of the Company or any of their Subsidiaries arising under, owing pursuant to, or existing in respect of Hedge Agreements entered into with one or more of the holders of ABL Facility Obligations or one or more of their affiliates.
“Immaterial Subsidiary” means, as of any date, any Subsidiary of Cliffs (that is not an Excluded Subsidiary of the type described in clause (i), (ii), (iii), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii) or (ix) in the definition thereof) that, together with its Subsidiaries, does not have (i) consolidated total assets in excess of 3.0% of the consolidated total assets of Cliffs and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of the date of the Indenture.

“Guarantee” means any obligation, contingentmost recent consolidated balance sheet of Cliffs or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person and, without limiting the generality(ii) consolidated total revenues in excess 3.0% of the foregoing, any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise,consolidated total revenues of such Person (1) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply fundsCliffs and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the purchase or payment of)most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements of Cliffs are available immediately preceding such Indebtednesscalculation date; provided that any such Subsidiary, when taken together with all other Immaterial Subsidiaries does not, in each case together with their respective Subsidiaries, have (i) consolidated total assets with a value in excess of such other Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services (unless

such purchase arrangements are on arm’s-length terms and are entered into in the ordinary course of business), to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise) or (2) entered into for purposes of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness7.5% of the payment thereofconsolidated total assets of Cliffs and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis or to protect such obligee against loss(ii) consolidated total revenues in respect thereof (in whole or in part);provided that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary courseexcess of business. The term “Guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

“Guarantor” means AK Steel Holding Corporation and any Subsidiary that Guarantees the notes.

“Holder” means each holder7.5% of the notes.

“Indebtedness” means indebtedness for borrowed money.

consolidated total revenues of Cliffs and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

“Investment Grade” means a rating of Baa3 or better by Moody’s (or its equivalent under any successor Rating Categoriesrating category of Moody’s), and a rating of BBB- or better by S&P (or its equivalent under any successor Rating Categoriesrating category of S&P), and the equivalent Investment Gradeinvestment grade credit rating from any additional Rating Agencyreplacement rating agency or Rating Agenciesrating agencies selected by AK Steel.

us under the circumstances permitting us to select a replacement agency and in the manner for selecting a replacement agency, in each case as set forth in the definition of “Rating Agency.”

Lien”Issue Date” means with respect to any property or assets,the date of original issuance of notes under the indenture.
“Liens” means any mortgage, pledge, lien or deedother encumbrance.
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“Mobile Equipment” means all of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, securitythe right, title and interest lien, encumbrance,of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in any forklifts, trailers, graders, dump trucks, water trucks, grapple trucks, lift trucks, flatbed trucks, fuel trucks, other security arrangement oftrucks, dozers, cranes, loaders, skid steers, excavators, back hoes, shovels, drill crawlers, other drills, scrappers, graders, gondolas, flat cars, ore cars, shuttle cars, conveyors, locomotives, miners, other rail cars, and any kind or nature whatsoever on or with respectother vehicles, mobile equipment and other equipment similar to such property or assets (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).

foregoing.

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., a subsidiary of Moody’s Corporation, and its successors.
“Obligations” means all principal, premium, interest (including any interest accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or its successor.

similar proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest is an allowed claim under any such proceeding or under applicable state, federal or foreign law), penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and banker’s acceptances), damages and other liabilities, and guarantees of payment of such principal, premium, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities, payable under the documentation governing any indebtedness.

Net Cash Proceeds” means,Permitted Liens” means:
(i)Liens securing ABL Obligations, provided that the incurrence by the Company and the Guarantors of Debt (including the issuance of letters of credit) under the ABL Facility (with letters of credit being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the face amount thereof) shall not exceed, in aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time, the greater of (x) $700.0 million and (y) the Borrowing Base;
(ii)Liens securing Secured Notes Obligations;
(iii)[intentionally omitted];
(iv)Liens existing on assets at the time of acquisition thereof, or incurred to secure the payment of all or part of the cost of the purchase or construction price of Property, or to secure Debt incurred or guaranteed for the purpose of financing all or part of the purchase or construction price of Property or the cost of improvements on Property, which Debt is incurred or guaranteed prior to, at the time of, or within 180 days after the later of such acquisition or completion of such improvements or construction or commencement of commercial operation of the assets;
(v)Liens in favor of Cliffs or any Guarantor or, with respect to any Notes Collateral Asset Sale,Foreign Subsidiary, Liens in favor of Cliffs or any Subsidiary;
(vi)Liens on Property of a Person existing at the proceedstime such Person is merged into or consolidated with us or a Subsidiary or at the time of a purchase, lease or other acquisition of the Property of a Person as an entirety or substantially as an entirety by us or a Subsidiary;
(vii)Liens on our Property or that of a Subsidiary in favor of the United States of America or any State thereof, or any political subdivision thereof, or in favor of any other country, or any political subdivision thereof, to secure certain payments pursuant to any contract or statute or to secure any indebtedness incurred or guaranteed for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or the cost of construction of the Property subject to such Notes Collateral Asset SaleLiens (including, but not limited to, Liens incurred in the form of cash (including (i) paymentsconnection with pollution control industrial revenue bond or similar financing);
(viii)(a) pledges or deposits under worker’s compensation laws, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations or similar legislation, or to secure liabilities to
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insurance carriers under insurance arrangements in respect of deferred paymentsuch obligations, or good faith deposits, prepayments or cash payments in connection with bids, tenders, contracts or leases, or to the extent corresponding to, principal, but not interest, when received in the form of cash,secure public or statutory obligations, surety and (ii) proceeds from the conversion of other consideration received when converted to cash), net of

(1)brokerage commissions and other fees and expenses related to such Notes Collateral Asset Sale, including fees and expenses of counsel, accountants and investment bankers;

(2)provisions for taxes payable by AK Steel, AK Holding or their Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of such Notes Collateral Asset Sale taking into account the consolidated results of operations of AK Steel, AK Holding and their Restricted Subsidiaries; and

(3)appropriate amounts to be provided as a reserve against liabilities associated with such Notes Collateral Asset Sale, including pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities related to environmental matters and indemnification obligations associated with such Notes Collateral Asset Sale, with any subsequent reduction of the reserve other than by payments made and charged against the reserved amount to be deemed a receipt of cash.

“Note Guarantee” means a Guarantee of the obligations of AK Steel under the Indentureappeal bonds, customs duties and the notes by a Guarantor.

“Notes Collateral” meanslike, or for the real property, plant and equipment that are owned or hereafter acquired by AK Steel or any Subsidiary Guarantor, and all proceeds thereof, other than Excluded Property.

“Notes Collateral Asset Sale” means any sale, lease, transfer or other dispositionpayment of any Notes Collateral outsiderent, in each case incurred in, the ordinary course of business and (b) Liens securing obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business to secure performance of obligations with respect to statutory or regulatory requirements, performance or return-of-money bonds, contractual arrangements with suppliers, reclamation bonds, surety bonds or other obligations of a like nature and incurred in a manner consistent with industry practice;

(ix)Liens imposed by AK Steellaw, such as landlords’ carriers’, vendors’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’, materialmen’s and repairmen’s, supplier of materials, architects’ and other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business;
(x)pledges or deposits under workmen’s compensation or similar legislation or in certain other circumstances;
(xi)Liens in connection with legal proceedings;
(xii)Liens for taxes or assessments or governmental charges or levies not yet due or delinquent, or which can thereafter be paid without penalty, or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;
(xiii)Liens consisting of restrictions on the use of real property that do not interfere materially with the property’s use;
(xiv)Liens on Property or shares of Capital Stock or other assets of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of the Company, provided such Liens were not created in contemplation thereof and do not extend to any other Property of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor,Subsidiary;
(xv)Liens on Property at the time the Company or any of its Subsidiaries acquires such Property, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or similar transaction (eachinto the Company or a Subsidiary of such Person, provided such Liens were not created in contemplation thereof and do not extend to any other Property of the above referredCompany or any Subsidiary;
(xvi)contract mining agreements and leases or subleases granted to as a “disposition”),providedothers that do not materially interfere with the following areordinary conduct of business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
(xvii)easements, rights of way, zoning and similar restrictions, reservations (including severances, leases or reservations of oil, gas, coal, minerals or water rights), restrictions or encumbrances in respect of real property or title defects that were not includedincurred in connection with indebtedness and do not in the definitionaggregate materially impair their use in the operation of “Notes Collateral Asset Sale”:the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

(1)

(xviii)Liens in favor of collecting or payor banks having a dispositionright of setoff, revocation, refund or chargeback with respect to AK Steelmoney or instruments of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor;

(2)on deposit with or in possession of such bank;

(xix)deposits made in the dispositionordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers;
(xx)Liens arising from UCC (or equivalent statute) financing statement filings regarding operating leases or consignments entered into by AK Steelthe Company or any Subsidiary Guarantorin the ordinary course of damaged, worn outbusiness;
(xxi)Liens securing Existing Indebtedness;
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(xxii)Liens securing Bank Product Obligations;
(xxiii)options, put and call arrangements, rights of first refusal and similar rights relating to investments in joint ventures and partnerships;
(xxiv)rights of owners of interests in overlying, underlying or obsolete assets;

(3)intervening strata and/or mineral interests not owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, with respect to tracts of real property where the Company or the applicable Subsidiary’s ownership is only surface or severed mineral or is otherwise subject to mineral severances in favor of one or more third parties;

(xxv)royalties, dedication of reserves under supply agreements, mining leases, or similar rights or interests granted, taken subject to, or otherwise imposed on properties consistent with normal practices in the mining industry and any precautionary UCC financing statement filings in respect of leases or consignment arrangements (and not any Debt) entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(xxvi)surface use agreements, easements, zoning restrictions, rights of way, encroachments, pipelines, leases, subleases, rights of use, licenses, special assessments, trackage rights, transmission and transportation lines related to mining leases or mineral rights and/or other real property including any re-conveyance obligations to a transaction coveredsurface owner following mining, royalty payments, and other obligations under surface owner purchase or leasehold arrangements necessary to obtain surface disturbance rights to access the subsurface mineral deposits and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by “—Certain Covenants—Consolidation, Mergerlaw or arising in the ordinary course of business which, in the aggregate, are not substantial in amount and Salewhich do not materially detract from the value of Assets”the affected property or that constitutes a Change of Control;

(4) the granting of a Lien, other than in connection with a Sale and Leaseback Transaction, if the Lien is granted in compliancematerially interfere with the covenant described under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Liens”;

(5)ordinary conduct of business of the surrender or waiver of contract rights in connection with a settlement of claims by AK Steel, AK HoldingCompany or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(6)(xxvii)any refinancing, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancings, extensions, renewals or replacements), in whole or in part, of any Lien (a “Refinanced Lien”) referred to in any of the transferforegoing clauses (“Permitted Refinancing Lien”); provided that any such Permitted Refinancing Lien shall not extend to any other Property, secure a greater principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) or have a higher priority than the Refinanced Lien;
(xxviii)Liens securing Debt of property subjectthe Company or any Subsidiary having an aggregate principal amount, as of the Calculation Date, not to casualty or condemnation proceedings (including in lieu thereof)exceed the greater of (A) $1,100.0 million minus the outstanding aggregate principal amount of Debt incurred pursuant to clause (ii) above and (B) an amount that, on a pro forma basis upon giving effect to the receiptincurrence thereof (and application of the net cash proceeds thereof;provided that such net cash proceeds are deemedtherefrom), would cause the Company’s Consolidated Secured Leverage Ratio to be Net Cash Proceedsexceed 3.0:1.0; and are applied
(xxix)other Liens, in accordance with the provision described under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Notes Collateral Asset Sales”;

(7) the sale and leaseback of any assets within 90 daysaddition to those permitted in clauses (i) through (xxviii) above, securing Debt of the acquisition thereof;provided that any Lien incurred in connection therewith is permitted pursuant clause (5) to the provision described under “Certain Covenants — Limitation on Liens” and the provision described under “Certain Covenants — Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions”;

(8) the sale of assets by AK SteelCompany or any Subsidiary Guarantor upon the foreclosure of a Lien; and

(9) any disposition in a transaction or series of related transactions of assets with a fair market value of less than $5.0 million.

“Obligations” means, with respect to any Indebtedness, all obligations (whether in existence on the datehaving an aggregate principal amount, as of the Indenture or arising afterwards, absolute or contingent, direct or indirect) for or in respectCalculation Date, not to exceed the greater of principal (when due upon acceleration, upon redemption, upon mandatory repayment or repurchase pursuant to a mandatory offer to purchase, or otherwise), premium, interest, penalties, fees, indemnification, reimbursement(A) $250.0 million and other amounts payable and liabilities with respect to such Indebtedness, including all interest accrued or accruing after the commencement of any bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or similar case or proceeding at the contract rate (including, without limitation, any contract rate applicable upon default) specified in the relevant documentation whether or not the claim for such interest is allowed as a claim in such case or proceeding.

“Offer to Purchase” means an offer to purchase notes by AK Steel from the Holders commenced by mailing a notice to the Trustee and each Holder stating:

(1) that all notes validly tendered will be accepted for payment on a pro rata basis;

(2) the purchase price and the date of purchase (which shall be a Business Day no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed) (the “Payment Date”);

(3) that any note not tendered will continue to accrue interest pursuant to its terms;

(4) that, unless AK Steel defaults in the payment(B) 15% of the purchase price, any note accepted for payment pursuant to the Offer to Purchase shall cease to accrue interest on and after the Payment Date;

(5) that Holders electing to have a note purchased pursuant to the Offer to Purchase will be required to surrender the note, together with the form entitled “Option of the Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse side of the note completed, to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Payment Date;

(6) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than the close of business on the third Business Day immediately preceding the Payment Date, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of such Holder, the principal amount of notes delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such notes purchased; and

(7) that Holders whose notes are being purchased only in part will be issued new notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the notes surrendered;provided that each note purchased and each new note issued shall be in a principal amount of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.Company’s Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.

On the Payment Date, AK Steel shall (a) accept for payment on a pro rata basis notes or portions thereof tendered pursuant to an Offer to Purchase; (b) deposit with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the purchase price of all notes or portions thereof so accepted; and (c) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee all notes or portions thereof so accepted together with an Officers’ Certificate specifying the notes or portions thereof accepted for payment by AK Steel. The Paying Agent shall promptly mail to the Holders of notes so accepted payment in an amount equal to the purchase price, and the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail to such Holders a new note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the note surrendered;provided that each note purchased and each new note issued shall be in a principal amount of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. AK Steel will publicly announce the results of an Offer to Purchase as soon as practicable after the Payment Date. The Trustee shall act as the Paying Agent for an Offer to Purchase. AK Steel will comply with Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable. in the event that AK Steel is required to repurchase notes pursuant to an Offer to Purchase.

“Permitted Business” means any of the businesses in which AK Steel, AK Holding and the Restricted Subsidiaries are engaged on the date of the Indenture and any business reasonably related, incidental, complementary or ancillary thereto or that is a reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof.

“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, partnership,business trust, association, joint-stock company, joint venture, trust, incorporated or unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof .

thereof.

Principal Property” means any domestic blast furnaceproperty or steel producing facility,asset, whether real, personal or casters that are partmixed, or tangible or intangible.
“QIBs” means qualified institutional buyers within the meaning of a plant that includes such a facility, in each case located in the United States, having a net book value in excess of 1% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets at the time of determination.

Rule 144A.

“Rating Agency” means (1) each of Moody’s and S&P and (2)&P; provided, that if eitherany of Moody’s or S&P ceases to rate the notesprovide rating services to issuers or fails to make a rating of the notes publicly available for reasons outside of the control of AK Steel, ainvestors, we may appoint another “nationally recognized
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statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Rule 15c3-l(e)(2)(vi)(F) underSection 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act selected by AK Steel (as certified by a resolution of the board of directors of AK Steel) as a replacement agency for Moody’s or S&P, or both, as the case may be.

such Rating Category”Agency.

“Registration Rights Agreement” means (i) with respect to S&P, any of the following categories: BBB, BB, B, CCC, CC, Cnotes, the registration rights agreement dated the Issue Date among the Company, the Guarantors and D (or equivalent successor categories);Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC with respect to the notes, as the same may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time, and (ii) with respect to Moody’s, any ofAdditional Notes issued after the following categories: Baa, Ba, B, Caa, Ca, CIssue Date pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, the registration rights agreement among the Company, the Guarantors and D (or equivalent successor categories); and (iii) the equivalent of any such category of S&P or Moody’s used by another Rating Agency. In determining whether the rating of the notes has decreased by one or more gradations, gradations within Rating Categories (+ and – for S&P; 1, 2 and 3 for Moody’s; or the equivalent gradations for another Rating Agency) shall be taken into account (e.g.,Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC with respect to S&P, a decline in a rating from BB+ to BB, as well as from BB- to B+, will constitute a decrease of one gradation).

“Rating Date” means the date that is 60 days prior to the earlier of (i) a Change of Control or (ii) public notice of the occurrence of a Change of Control or of the intention by AK Steel or AK Holding, as applicable, to effect a Change of Control.

“Ratings Event” means the occurrence of the events described in (a) or (b) of this definition on, or within 60 days after the earlier of, (i) the occurrence of a Change of Control or (ii) public notice of the occurrence of a Change of Control or the intention by AK Steel or AK Holding, as applicable, to effect a Change of Control (which period shall be extended so longsuch Additional Notes, as the rating of the notes is under publicly announced consideration for a

possible downgrade by any of the Rating Agencies): (a) if the notes are rated by both Rating Agencies on the Rating Date as Investment Grade, the rating of the notes shallsame may be reduced so that the notes are rated below Investment Grade by both Rating Agencies, or (b) if the notes are rated below Investment Grade by at least one Rating Agency, the ratings of the notes by both Rating Agencies shall be decreased by one or more gradations (including gradations within Rating Categories, as well as between Rating Categories) and the notes are then rated below Investment Grade by both Rating Agencies.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Ratings Event otherwise arising by virtue of a particular reduction in rating shall not be deemed to have occurred in respect of a particular Change of Control (and thus shall not be deemed a Ratings Event for purposes of the definition of Change of Control Repurchase Event hereunder) if the Rating Agencies making the reduction in rating to which this definition would otherwise apply do not announce or publicly confirm or inform the Trustee in writing at its request that the reduction was the result, in whole or in part, of any event or circumstance comprised of or arising as a result of, or in respect of, the applicable Change of Control (whether or not the applicable Change of Control shall have occurred at the time of the Ratings Event).

“Receivables Facility” means one or more receivables financing facilities, as amended, supplemented modified, extended, renewed, restated or refundedmodified from time to time,time.

“Reference Treasury Dealer” means Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and its respective successors and assigns, and any other nationally recognized investment banking firm selected by the obligationsCompany and identified to the Trustee by written notice from the Company that is a primary U.S. Government securities dealer.
“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations” means with respect to the Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Quotation Agent, of which are non-recourse (exceptthe bid and asked prices for customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities madethe comparable Treasury Issue, expressed in connection with such facilities) to AK Steel or anyeach case as a percentage of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) pursuantprincipal amount, quoted in writing to which AK Steel or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries sells their accounts receivable to either (a) a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or (b) a Receivables Subsidiary that in turn sells its accounts receivable to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary.

“Receivables Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary formed for the purpose of, and that solely engages only in one or more Receivables Facilities or other activities reasonably related thereto.

“Registration Rights Agreements” means, collectively, (i) that certain registration rights agreement entered intoQuotation Agent by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Original Issue Date among AK Steel, AK Holding andthird Business Day immediately preceding such redemption date.

“Regulation S” means Regulation S under the initial purchasers ofSecurities Act.
“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A under the initial notes and (ii) that certain registration rights agreement entered into on June 24, 2012 among AK Steel, AK Holding and the initial purchaser of the add-on notes.

“Restricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Securities Act.

“S&P” means Standard & PoorPoor’s Ratings Services, a division of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. or, and its successor.

successors.

Sale and Leaseback Transaction”Secured Notes” means the 4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 of Cliffs issued on December 19, 2017, the Obligations of which are guaranteed by the Guarantors.
“Secured Notes Documents” means any arrangement withdocuments or instrument evidencing or governing any Person providing forSecured Notes Obligations.
“Secured Notes Obligations” means Debt outstanding under the leasing to AK SteelSecured Notes and all other Obligations (not constituting Debt) of the Company or any Subsidiary of AK Steel of any Principal Property, which Principal Property has been or is to be sold or transferred by AK Steel or any Subsidiary of AK Steel to such Person.

“Security Documents” means (i) the Collateral Trust Agreement and (ii) the security documents granting a security interest in any assets of any Person to secure the ObligationsGuarantor under the notes and the Note Guarantee as each may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Secured Notes.

“Significant Subsidiary” means (a) any Restricted Subsidiary of AK Holding that at the time of determination would be a significant subsidiary of AK Holding pursuant to“significant subsidiary” as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-021-02(w)(1) or (2) of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act, as such regulation is in effect on the Closing Date or (b) any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would be a “Significant Subsidiary” under clause (a) above.

Issue Date.

“Subsidiary” means with respect to any specified Person, any corporation, partnership or other legal entity (a) the accounts of which at leastare consolidated with ours in accordance with GAAP and (b) of which, in the case of a majoritycorporation, more than 50 percent of the outstanding voting stock havingis owned, directly or indirectly, by us or by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by us and one or more other Subsidiaries or, in the terms thereof ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether or not at the time stockcase of any partnership or other class or classes of such corporation shall

have or might have voting power by reasonlegal entity, more than 50 percent of the happening of any contingency)ordinary equity capital interests is, or other entity of which at least a majority of the common equity interests are, at the time, directly or indirectly owned or controlled by that Person,us or by one or more otherof the Subsidiaries of that Person, or by that Personus and one or more other Subsidiaries of the Subsidiaries.

“Treasury Rate” means the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15(519) which has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the date fixed for redemption (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the then remaining average life to March 15, 2022, provided, however, that Person.

“Subsidiary Guarantor” means each Subsidiary that Guaranteesif the average life to March 15, 2022, of the notes under the Indenture.

“Subordinated Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of AK Steel, AK Holding or any Guarantor that is subordinated in right of paymentnot equal to the constant

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maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the average life to March 15, 2022, of the notes oris less than one year, the Note Guarantee, as applicable, pursuantweekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a written agreementconstant maturity of one year shall be used.
“UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code (or any similar equivalent legislation) as in effect from time to that effect.

time in the State of New York.

“Unsecured Notes Obligations” means the Company’s 4.875% Senior Notes due 2021, 1.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 and the 6.25% Senior Notes due 2040 and all other Obligations under such Debt.
“U.S. Government Obligations” means debt securities that are (1) are:
direct obligations of theThe United States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledgedpledged; or (2) 
obligations of a Personperson controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of theThe United States of America the full and timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by theThe United States of America, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof at any time prior to the stated maturity of the notes,itself and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of any such U.S. Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt;provided that (exceptreceipt. Except as required by law)law, such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.

UnrestrictedU.S. Subsidiary” of any specified Person means (i) any Foreign Subsidiary, (ii) any Receivables Subsidiary and (iii) anya Subsidiary of AK Holding created aftersuch Person that is organized under the Closing Date, at least 10%laws of any state of the United States or the District of Columbia.
Voting StockStock” of which is owned by Persons other than AK Holding or a Subsidiary thereof;provided that (a) such Subsidiary does not engage inany specified Person as of any date means the business of AK Steel as conducted on the Closing Date (but shall engage in any extension thereof or activities incidental or related thereto) and (b) in the event (1) any such Subsidiary Guarantees Indebtedness of AK Steel in an aggregate amount in excess of $50 million or (2) AK Steel or any of its Subsidiaries (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary) contributes or otherwise transfers (other than a sale for fair market value) any Principal Property (including shares ofcapital stock of a Subsidiarysuch Person that ownsis at the Principal Property) or the proceeds of any sale of Principal Property to such Subsidiary, in either case such Subsidiary shall cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

“Voting Stock” means with respect to any Person, Capital Stock of any class or kind ordinarily having the powertime entitled to vote forgenerally in the election of the board of directors managersof such Person.

“Wholly Owned Subsidiary” of any specified Person means a Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other voting membersownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares or investments by foreign nationals mandated by applicable law) shall at the governing bodytime be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

No Personal LiabilityPerson and one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers, Directors, or Employees

No recoursesuch Person.

Book-Entry Delivery and Settlement
The global notes
The Exchange Notes issued in exchange for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any of the notes or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, and no recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of AK Steel in the Indenture, or in any of the notes or because of the creation of any Indebtedness represented thereby, shall be had against any incorporator, stockholder, officer, director, employee or controlling person of AK Steel or of any successor Person thereof. Each Holder, by accepting the notes, waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

Concerning the Trustee

Except during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Trustee need perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in the Indenture. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee will use

the same degree of care and skill in its exercise of the rights and powers vested in it under the Indenture as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs. The Indenture and provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, incorporated by reference therein contain limitations on the rights of the Trustee, should it become a creditor of AK Steel, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received by it in respect of any such claims, as security or otherwise. The Trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions;provided,however, that if it acquires any conflicting interest as defined by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, it must eliminate such conflict or resign as provided therein.

Form of RegisteredOriginal Notes

The certificates representing the registered notes will be issued in fullythe form of one or more registered notes in global form, without coupons. Except as described ininterest coupons (the “global notes”).

Upon issuance, each of the next paragraph, the registeredglobal notes will be deposited with or on behalf of,the Trustee for the notes as custodian for the DTC and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC.
Ownership of beneficial interests in each global note will be limited to persons who have accounts with DTC (“DTC participants”) or persons who hold interests through DTC participants.
We expect that under procedures established by DTC:
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upon deposit of each global note with DTC’s nominee, in the form of a global note. Holderscustodian, DTC will credit portions of the registered notesprincipal amount of the global note to the accounts of the DTC participants designated by Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC; and
ownership of beneficial interests in each global note will own book-entrybe shown on, and transfer of ownership of those interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of DTC participants) and the records of DTC participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interests in the global note evidenced by records maintained by DTC.

Book-entrynote).

Beneficial interests in the global notes may not be exchanged for notes in physical, certificated form except in the limited circumstances described below.
Exchanges among the global notes
Beneficial interests in one global note may generally be exchanged for interests in another global note.
A beneficial interest in a global note that is transferred to a person who takes delivery through another global note will, upon transfer, become subject to any transfer restrictions and other procedures applicable to beneficial interests in the other global note.

Book-entry procedures for the global notes
All interests in the global notes will be subject to the operations and procedures of like tenorDTC, Euroclear Bank SA/NV (“Euroclear”) and equal aggregateClearstream Banking, S.A. (“Clearstream”), as applicable. We provide the following summaries of those operations and procedures solely for the convenience of investors. The operations and procedures of each settlement system are controlled by that settlement system and may be changed at any time. Neither we nor Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC are responsible for those operations or procedures.
    DTC has advised us that it is:
a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York;
a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York State Banking Law;
a member of the Federal Reserve System;
a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code; and
a “clearing agency” registered under section 17A of the Exchange Act.
DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between its participants through electronic book-entry changes to the accounts of its participants. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers, including Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC; banks and trust companies; clearing corporations and other organizations. Indirect access to DTC’s system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies; these indirect participants clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC participant, either directly or indirectly. Investors who are not DTC participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through DTC participants or indirect participants in DTC.
So long as DTC’s nominee is the registered owner of a global note, that nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the notes represented by that global note for all purposes under the indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global note:
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will not be entitled to have notes represented by the global note registered in their names;
will not receive or be entitled to receive physical, certificated notes; and
will not be considered the owners or holders of the notes under the indenture for any purpose, including with respect to the giving of any direction, instruction or approval to the Trustee under the indenture.
As a result, each investor who owns a beneficial interest in a global note must rely on the procedures of DTC to exercise any rights of a holder of notes under the indenture (and, if the investor is not a participant or an indirect participant in DTC, on the procedures of the DTC participant through which the investor owns its interest). Payments of principal, amount,premium (if any) and interest with respect to the notes represented by a global note will be made by the Trustee to DTC’s nominee as the registered holder of the global note. Neither we nor the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for the payment of amounts to owners of beneficial interests in a global note, for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of those interests by DTC, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of DTC relating to those interests.
Payments by participants and indirect participants in DTC to the owners of beneficial interests in a global note will be governed by standing instructions and customary industry practice and will be the responsibility of those participants or indirect participants and DTC. Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected under DTC’s procedures and will be settled in same-day funds. Transfers between participants in Euroclear or Clearstream will be effected in the ordinary way under the rules and operating procedures of those systems.
Cross-market transfers between DTC participants, on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream participants, on the other hand, will be effected within DTC through the DTC participants that are acting as depositaries for Euroclear and Clearstream. To deliver or receive an interest in a global note held in a Euroclear or Clearstream account, an investor must send transfer instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, under the rules and procedures of that system and within the established deadlines of that system. If the transaction meets its settlement requirements, Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, will send instructions to its DTC depositary to take action to effect final settlement by delivering or receiving interests in the relevant global notes in DTC, and making or receiving payment under normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear and Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly to the DTC depositaries that are acting for Euroclear or Clearstream.
Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or Clearstream participant that purchases an interest in a global note from a DTC participant will be credited on the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream immediately following the DTC settlement date. Cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream from the sale of an interest in a global note to a DTC participant will be received with value on the DTC settlement date but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account as of the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream following the DTC settlement date.
DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the above procedures to facilitate transfers of interests in the global notes among participants in those settlement systems. However, the settlement systems are not obligated to perform these procedures and may discontinue or change these procedures at any time. Neither we nor the Trustee will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream or their participants or indirect participants of their obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.
Certificated notes
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Notes in physical, certificated form will be issued and delivered to each person that DTC identifies as a beneficial owner of the related notes only if:

(1)

DTC notifies us at any time that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or we determine that DTC is unable to continue as depositaryfor the global notes and we fail to appoint a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days,

(2) days;

DTC ceases to be registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days;
we, provide forat our option, notify the exchange pursuantTrustee that we elect to cause the termsissuance of the Indenture, or

(3) we determine that the book-entry interests will no longer be represented by globalcertificated notes and we execute and deliver toany participant requests a certificated note in accordance with DTC procedures; or

certain other events provided in the trustee instructions to that effect.

As of the date of this prospectus, no certificated notes are issued and outstanding.

indenture should occur.

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CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a summary of the materialcertain U.S. federal income tax consequencesconsiderations relating to the exchange of original notesunregistered Original Notes for registered notes inExchange Notes pursuant to the exchange offer. ItExchange Offer, but does not address any state, local or foreignpurport to be a complete analysis of all the potential tax considerations relating to the exchange.

The discussion belowExchange Offer. This summary is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, of 1986, as amended, existing and proposed Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative rulings and rulings,pronouncements, and judicial decisions, and administrative interpretations thereunder,all as in effect as ofon the date hereof. Those authoritiesof this prospectus and all of which are subject to change or to different interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect, which may be changed, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different than those set forth below.

This discussion does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a holder in light of such holder’s particular circumstances or to holders subject to special rules, such as banks or other financial institutions, entities or arrangements classified as partnerships or other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes or investors in such entities, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, expatriates or former U.S. citizens or U.S. residents, insurance companies, brokers or dealers in securities or commodities, holders that use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings, U.S. holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, holders subject to the alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt organizations, controlled foreign corporations (within the meaning of the Code), passive foreign investment companies (within the meaning of the Code), persons deemed to sell the Notes under the constructive sale provisions of the Code, persons holding the Notes in tax-deferred accounts, or persons holding the Notes as part of a “straddle,” “hedge,” “conversion transaction,” integrated security transaction or other risk reduction transaction. In addition, this discussion is limited to persons that hold the Notes as “capital assets” within the meaning of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address U.S. federal tax laws other than those pertaining to the U.S. federal income tax (such as the gift tax, the estate tax and the Medicare tax) or the effect of any applicable state, local or non-U.S. tax laws. This summary is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service, which we refer to as the IRS. We have not sought and will not seek any rulings from those discussed below.

Consequences of Tendering Notes

the IRS with respect to the statements made in this summary, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not take a position contrary to these statements or that a contrary position taken by the IRS would not be sustained by a court.

The exchange of your original notesan Original Note for registered notes inan Exchange Note pursuant to the exchange offer should not constitute a material modification of the terms of the notes and therefore wouldExchange Offer will not constitute a taxable eventexchange of the Original Note for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly,Rather, the exchangeExchange Note a holder receives will be treated as a continuation of your original notesthe holder’s investment in the corresponding Original Note surrendered in the exchange. Consequently, a holder will not recognize any taxable income, gain or loss upon the receipt of an Exchange Note pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the holder’s holding period for registered notes would have no federal income tax consequencesan Exchange Note will include the holding period for the Original Note exchanged pursuant to you. For example, there would be no change in yourthe Exchange Offer, and the holder’s tax basis and your holding period would carry over to the registered notes. In addition, the federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of your registered notes wouldin an Exchange Note will be the same as thosethe adjusted tax basis in the Original Note immediately before such exchange.
THIS SUMMARY OF CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT TAX ADVICE. HOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATION, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSIDERATIONS ARISING UNDER OTHER U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS, THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. TAXING JURISDICTION OR ANY APPLICABLE INCOME TAX TREATY.
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CERTAIN ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
The following summary regarding certain aspects of the United States Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or ERISA, and the Code is based on ERISA, the Code, judicial decisions and United States Department of Labor and IRS regulations and rulings that are in existence on the date of this prospectus. This summary is general in nature and does not address every issue pertaining to ERISA and the Code that may be applicable to your original notes.

The preceding discussionus, the Exchange Notes or a particular investor. Accordingly, each prospective investor, including plan fiduciaries, should consult with his, her or its own advisors or counsel with respect to the advisability of an investment in the Exchange Notes, and potentially adverse consequences of such investment, including, without limitation, certain ERISA-related issues that affect or may affect the investor with respect to this investment and the possible effects of changes in the applicable laws.

ERISA and the Code impose certain requirements on employee benefit plans that are subject to Title I of ERISA, plans subject to Section 4975 of the material U.S. federal income tax consequencesCode and entities that are deemed to hold the assets of such plans, each such employee benefit plan, plan or entity, a Plan, and on those persons who are “fiduciaries” with respect to Plans. A fiduciary of a Plan subject to Title I of ERISA should consider whether an investment in the Exchange Notes satisfies ERISA’s general fiduciary requirements, including, but not limited to, the requirement of investment prudence and diversification and the requirement that such a Plan’s investments be made in accordance with the documents governing the Plan.
An investor who is for general information onlyconsidering acquiring the Exchange Notes with the assets of a Plan must consider whether the acquisition and isholding of the Exchange Notes will constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction. Section 406(a) of ERISA and Sections 4975(c)(1)(A), (B), (C) and (D) of the Code prohibit certain transactions that involve a Plan and a “party in interest” as defined in Section 3(14) of ERISA or a “disqualified person” as defined in Section 4975(e)(2) of the Code with respect to such Plan. Examples of such prohibited transactions include, but are not tax advice. Accordingly, each investor is urgedlimited to, consultsales or exchanges of property (such as the Exchange Notes) or extensions of credit between a Plan and a party in interest or disqualified person. Section 406(b) of ERISA and Sections 4975(c)(1)(E) and (F) of the Code generally prohibit a fiduciary with respect to a Plan from dealing with the assets of the Plan for its own tax advisorbenefit (for example when a fiduciary of a Plan uses its position to cause the Plan to make investments in connection with which the fiduciary (or a party related to the fiduciary) receives a fee or other consideration). Such parties in interest or disqualified persons could include, without limitation, the Company, the initial purchaser, and the trustee or any of their respective affiliates.
ERISA and the Code contain certain exemptions from the prohibited transactions described above, and the Department of Labor has issued several exemptions, although certain exemptions do not provide relief from the prohibitions on self-dealing contained in Section 406(b) of ERISA and Sections 4975(c)(1)(E) and (F) of the Code. Such exemptions include Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Code pertaining to certain transactions with non-fiduciary service providers; Department of Labor Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption, or PTCE, 95-60, applicable to transactions involving insurance company general accounts; PTCE 90-1, regarding investments by insurance company pooled separate accounts; PTCE 91-38, regarding investments by bank collective investment funds; PTCE 84-14, regarding investments effected by a qualified professional asset manager; and PTCE 96-23, regarding investments effected by an in-house asset manager. There can be no assurance that any of these exemptions or any other exemption will be available with respect to the acquisition or holding of the Exchange Notes, even if the specified conditions are met. Under Section 4975 of the Code, excise taxes or other penalties and liabilities may be imposed on disqualified persons who participate in non-exempt prohibited transactions (other than a fiduciary acting only as such). A fiduciary of a Plan that engages in such non-exempt prohibited transactions may also be subject to penalties and liabilities under ERISA and the Code. Furthermore, each person acting on behalf of a Plan that acquires the Exchange Notes acknowledges that none of us, the initial purchaser, the Trustee, the registrar or the paying agent nor any of their respective affiliates has provided or will provide investment advice, or is otherwise acting in a fiduciary capacity, in connection with the acquisition of the Exchange Notes by any Plan. In addition,
64


each such person acknowledges that the Plan investor’s fiduciary is exercising its own independent judgment in evaluating the acquisition of the Exchange Notes.
As a general rule, governmental plans, as defined in Section 3(32) of ERISA, or Governmental Plans, church plans, as defined in Section 3(33) of ERISA, that have not made an election under Section 410(d) of the Code, or Church Plans, and non-U.S. plans are not subject to the requirements of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code. Accordingly, assets of such plans generally may be invested in the Exchange Notes without regard to the fiduciary and prohibited transaction considerations under ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code described above. However, Governmental Plans, Church Plans or non-U.S. plans may be subject to other United States federal, state or local laws or non-U.S. laws that regulate their investments, or a Similar Law. A fiduciary of a Governmental Plan, a Church Plan or a non-U.S. plan should make its own determination as to the requirements, if any, under any Similar Law applicable to the acquisition of the Exchange Notes.
The Exchange Notes may be acquired by a Plan, a Governmental Plan, a Church Plan, or a non-U.S. Plan, but only if the acquisition will not result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or a violation of Similar Law. Therefore, any investor in the Exchange Notes will be deemed to represent and warrant to us and the Trustee that (1) (a) it is not (i) a Plan, (ii) a Governmental Plan, (iii) a Church Plan, or (iv) a non-U.S. Plan, (b) it is a Plan and the acquisition and holding of the Exchange Notes will not result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or (c) it is a Governmental Plan, a Church Plan or a non-U.S. Plan that is not subject to (i) ERISA, (ii) Section 4975 of the Code or (iii) any Similar Law that prohibits or imposes excise or penalty taxes on the acquisition or holding of the Exchange Notes; and (2) it will notify us and the Trustee immediately if, at any time, it is no longer able to make the representations contained in clause (1) above. Any purported transfer of the Exchange Notes to a transferee that does not comply with the foregoing requirements shall be null and void ab initio.
This Exchange Offer is not a representation by us or the initial purchaser that an acquisition of the Exchange Notes meets all legal requirements applicable to investments by Plans, Governmental Plans, Church Plans or non-U.S. plans or that such an investment is appropriate for any particular tax consequences to it of exchanging original notes for registered notes, including the applicability and effect of any state, localPlan, Governmental Plan, Church Plan or foreign tax laws, and of any proposed changes in applicable laws.non-U.S. plan.

65


PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Each

Any broker-dealer that receives registered notes in the exchange offerholds Original Notes that were acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities (other than Original Notes acquired directly from us) may exchange such Original Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. Any such broker-dealer, however, may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and must, acknowledge that it willtherefore, deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resales of Exchange Notes received by such notes. We reserve the right in our sole discretion to purchase or make offers for, or to offer registered notes for, any original notes that remain outstanding subsequent to the expiration of the exchange offer pursuant to this prospectus or otherwise and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, purchase original notesbroker-dealer in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. ThisExchange Offer. Such prospectus as itdelivery requirement may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be usedsatisfied by all persons subject to the prospectus delivery requirementsby such broker-dealer of the Securities Act, including broker-dealers in connection with resales of registered notes received in the exchange offer, where such notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and may be used by us to purchase any notes outstanding after expiration of the exchange offer.this prospectus. We have agreed that, for a period of 180 days from the date on which the exchange offer is completed, we willto make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale.

resales.

We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of registered notesExchange Notes by broker- dealers. Registered notesbroker-dealers. Exchange Notes received by broker-dealers in the exchange offer for their own account in the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the registered notesExchange Notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resaleof these resales may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker- dealerthese broker-dealers and/or the purchasers of any such registered notes.Exchange Notes. Any broker-dealer that resells registered notesExchange Notes that were received by it in the exchange offer for its own account in the Exchange Offer and any broker or dealerbroker-dealer that participates in a distribution of such notesthe Exchange Notes may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of such notesExchange Notes and any commissionscommission or concessions received by any such personsperson may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The accompanying letter of transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, meeting the requirements of the Securities Act, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

For a period of 180 days from the date on which the exchange offer is completed, we will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the letter of transmittal.

We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer,Exchange Offer, including the reasonable fees and expenses of one counsel tofor the initial purchaserholders of the original notes, other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or dealersOriginal Notes and will indemnify the holders of the notes, including any broker-dealers,Original Notes against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

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LEGAL MATTERS

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, New York, New York has passed

Jones Day will pass upon the validity of the notes and guaranteesExchange Notes. Certain matters relating to the laws of the State of West Virginia will be passed on behalf of AK Steel and AK Holding.

for us by Frost Brown Todd LLC.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, incorporated in this prospectusProspectus by reference from the Company’sCleveland-Cliffs Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012,2020, and the effectiveness of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.’s and its subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

We have not authorized any dealer, salesperson, or other person to give any information or represent anything to you other than

The combined consolidated financial statements of ArcelorMittal USA LLC and Affiliates as of and for the information containedyears ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, included in this prospectus orProspectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report appearing herein, and are included in reliance upon the letterreport of transmittal. You must not rely on unauthorized information or representations.

This prospectussuch firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The financial statements of I/N Kote as of and for the letter of transmittal do not offer to sell or ask you to buy any securities in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful, where the person making the offer is not qualified to do so, or to any person who cannot legally be offered the securities.

The informationyears ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, included in this prospectus is current onlyProspectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report appearing herein, and are included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The financial statements of I/N Tek as of and for the date on its cover,years ended December 31, 2019 and may change after that date. For any time after the cover date of this prospectus, we do not represent that our affairs are the same as described or that the information2018, included in this prospectus is correct—nor do we imply those thingsProspectus have been audited by delivering this prospectus or selling securities to you.

$380,000,000

LOGO

AK Steel Corporation

OFFER TO EXCHANGE ALL OUTSTANDING AND UNREGISTERED

$380,000,000 8.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2018

FOR NEWLY-ISSUED, REGISTERED

$380,000,000 8.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2018

That Have Been Registered UnderDeloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report appearing herein, and are included in reliance upon the Securities Actreport of 1933such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

67


PROSPECTUS

            , 2013















image_21.jpg



PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

AK

Ohio
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (“Cliffs”), Cleveland-Cliffs Investments Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Holdings Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Tek Kote Acquisition Corporation

AK Steel Holding Corporation

AK Holding and AK SteelThe Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company are each Delaware corporations. Subsection (b)(7) of Section 102incorporated under the laws of the DGCL enables a corporation in its original certificateState of incorporation or an amendment thereto to eliminate or limit the personal liability of a directorOhio.

Cliffs and The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company will indemnify, to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for violations of the director’s fiduciary duty, except (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL (providing for liability of directors for unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions) or (iv) for any transaction from which a director derived an improper personal benefit. The Certificate of Incorporation of each of AK Holding and AK Steel has eliminated the personal liability of its directors to the fullestfull extent permitted by law.

Subsection (a) of Section 145 of the DGCL empowers a corporation to indemnifylaw, any director or officer, or former director or officer,person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such corporation, or is or was serving at such corporation’s request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, domestic or foreign, nonprofit or for profit, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise; provided, however, that such corporation will indemnify any such agent (as opposed to any director, officer or employee) to an extent greater than required by law only if and to the extent that the directors may, in their discretion, so determine. The indemnification each company gives will not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any law, Cliffs’ Fourth Amended Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or the articles of incorporation of The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company or any agreement, vote of shareholders or of disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in official capacities and as to action in another capacity while such person is a director, officer, employee or agent, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

Cliffs and The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company may, to the full extent permitted by law and authorized by the directors, purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any persons described in the paragraph above against any liability asserted against and incurred by any such person in any such capacity, or arising out of the status as such, whether or not we would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability.
Pursuant to its regulations, Cleveland-Cliffs Investments Inc. shall, to the full extent permitted by law, indemnify any person who, because such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation, was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to (i) any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (other than an action by the corporation), against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement and reasonably incurred by such persons in connection with the action, suit or proceeding, or (ii) any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action.
Under the Ohio Revised Code, Ohio corporations are authorized to indemnify directors, officers, employees and agents within prescribed limits and must indemnify them under certain circumstances. The Ohio Revised Code does not provide statutory authorization for a corporation to indemnify directors, officers, employees and agents for settlements, fines or judgments in the context of derivative suits. However, it provides that directors (but not officers, employees or agents) are entitled to mandatory advancement of expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred in defending any action, including derivative actions, brought against the director, provided that the director agrees to cooperate with the corporation concerning the matter and to repay the amount advanced if it is proved by clear and convincing evidence that the director’s act or failure to act was done with deliberate intent to cause injury to the corporation or with reckless disregard for the corporation’s best interests.
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The Ohio Revised Code does not authorize indemnification to a director, officer, employee or agent after a finding of negligence or misconduct in a derivative suit absent a court order. Indemnification is permitted, however, to the extent such person succeeds on the merits. In all other cases, if a director, officer, employee or agent acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, indemnification is discretionary except as otherwise provided by a corporation’s articles, code of regulations or by contract except with respect to the advancement of expenses of directors.
Under the Ohio Revised Code, a director is not liable for monetary damages unless it is proved by clear and convincing evidence that his or her action or failure to act was undertaken with deliberate intent to cause injury to the corporation or with reckless disregard for the best interests of the corporation. There is, however, no comparable provision limiting the liability of officers, employees or agents of a corporation. The statutory right to indemnification is not exclusive in Ohio, and Ohio corporations may, among other things, procure insurance for such persons.
Delaware
Cannon Automotive Solutions – Bowling Green, Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Kote Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Minorca Mine Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Railways Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs South Chicago & Indiana Harbor Railway Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation, Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Holding Corporation, Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Management Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Properties Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Steelworks Railway Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Tek Inc., Cliffs Mining Company, Cliffs Minnesota Mining Company, Metallics Sales Company, Northshore Mining Company, Precision Partners Holding Company and Silver Bay Power Company are incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware.
Under Section 102(b)(7) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), a certificate of incorporation may, subject to certain limitations, contain a provision limiting or eliminating a director’s personal liability to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for a director’s breach of fiduciary duty, provided that such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director for: (1) any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; (2) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (3) unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases, as set forth in the DGCL; or (4) any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
Section 145 of the DGCL empowers Delaware corporations to indemnify any persons who are, or are threatened to be made, parties to any threatened, pending or completed legal action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of such corporation), by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorney fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided that such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation’s best interests and, for criminal proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. A Delaware corporation may indemnify directors, officers, employees and agents in an action by or in the right of the corporation under the same conditions, except that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the person is adjudged to be liable to the corporation in the performance of his or her duty. Where an officer or director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him or her against expenses that such officer or director actually and reasonably incurred.
The certificates of incorporation of Cannon Automotive Solutions – Bowling Green, Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Kote Inc. and Cleveland-Cliffs Tek Inc. provide for the elimination of directors’ liability to the corporation or its stockholders for breaches of fiduciary duties, except to the extent such liability is provided by applicable law (i) for any breach of the directors’ duty of loyalty to the corporation or its
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stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL or (iv) for any transaction from which the directors derived an improper personal benefit.
The certificates of incorporation of Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation, Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Holding Corporation, Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Management Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Properties Inc., Cliffs Mining Company and Cliffs Minnesota Mining Company provide for the limitation or elimination of directors’ liability to the corporation or its stockholders for breaches of fiduciary duties and the indemnification by the corporation to each person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation or its board of directors, as applicable, as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, in each case to the full extent permitted by the DGCL. Cliffs Mining Company’s certificate of incorporation also provides for the right of any such person to the payment by the corporation of expenses incurred by such person in defending a proceeding to which he or she is or was, or is threatened to be made, a party or is involved by reason of the fact that he or she is or was serving in the capacities described above, upon delivery by such person of an undertaking to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification.
The certificates of incorporation of Cleveland-Cliffs Railways Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs South Chicago & Indiana Harbor Railway Inc. and Cleveland-Cliffs Steelworks Railway Inc. provide for (i) the elimination of directors’ personal liability to the fullest extent permitted under Section 102 of the DGCL and (ii) the indemnification of any and all other persons to the fullest extent under Section 145 of the DGCL, including the advancement of expenses.
Precision Partners Holding Company’s certificate of incorporation, as amended, provides for (i) the elimination of directors’ liability to the corporation or its stockholders for breaches of fiduciary duties, except as prohibited, from time to time, under the DGCL and (ii) the indemnification of directors and officers to the fullest extent under Delaware law, except as provided in the corporation’s bylaws.
The bylaws of Cannon Automotive Solutions – Bowling Green, Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Kote Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Railways Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs South Chicago & Indiana Harbor Railway Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Management Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Properties Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Steelworks Railway Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Tek Inc., Cliffs Mining Company, Cliffs Minnesota Mining Company, Northshore Mining Company, Precision Partners Holding Company and Silver Bay Power Company and the certificates of incorporation of Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation and Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Holding Corporation provide for the indemnification of directors and officers of the corporation, or of another enterprise at the corporation’s request, to the full extent permitted by the DGCL.
The certificates of incorporation of Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation and Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Holding Corporation and the bylaws of Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Management Inc. and Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Properties Inc. provide for the right of any such person to the prepayment by the corporation of expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in appearing at, participating in or defending any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the corporation of a written undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount unless it ultimately shall be determined that such person is entitled to be indemnified by the corporation.
Cannon Automotive Solutions – Bowling Green, Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Kote Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation, Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Holding Corporation, Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Management Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Properties Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Tek Inc., Cliffs Mining Company, Cliffs Minnesota Mining Company and Precision Partners Holding Company are also authorized to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any of its directors, officers, employees or agents or those of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not it would have the power to indemnify such person under Delaware law.
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Cleveland-Cliffs Burns Harbor LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Cleveland Works LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Columbus LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Monessen Coke LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Plate LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Riverdale LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Steelton LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Tubular Components LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Weirton LLC, Cliffs TIOP Holding, LLC, Cliffs TIOP II, LLC, Cliffs UTAC Holding LLC, Fleetwood Metal Industries, LLC, IronUnits LLC, Mountain State Carbon, LLC, PPHC Holdings, LLC, SNA Carbon, LLC and United Taconite LLC are limited liability companies formed under the laws of the State of Delaware.
Section 18-108 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (the “LLC Act”) empowers Delaware limited liability companies to indemnify and hold harmless any member or manager of the limited liability company or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever.
The operating agreements of Cleveland-Cliffs Burns Harbor LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Columbus LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Plate LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Riverdale LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Steelton LLC and Cleveland-Cliffs Weirton LLC provide for the indemnification, to the fullest extent permitted by law, of any person permitted under Delaware law.
The operating agreements of Cliffs TIOP Holding, LLC and Cliffs TIOP II, LLC provide for: (i) the exculpation of an officer or member from liability to the company or another person who has an interest in or claim against the company for any act or omission performed or omitted in good faith on behalf of the company and in a manner reasonably believed to be within the scope of such person’s authority; (ii) the indemnification of such persons to the full extent permitted by Delaware law; and (iii) the advancement of expenses incurred in defending a claim or proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of any such person to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification.
Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC’s operating agreement provides for (i) the indemnification, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, of the member, officers, directors, and any other person who was or is a party or threatened to be made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of such person’s relationship with the company and (ii) the right to the prepayment of expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in appearing at, participating in or defending any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the company of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount unless it ultimately shall be determined that such person is entitled to be indemnified by the company.
Cleveland-Cliffs Cleveland Works LLC’s operating agreement provides for (i) the elimination of directors’ personal liability to the fullest extent permitted under Section 102 of the DGCL and (ii) the indemnification of any and all other persons to the fullest extent under Section 145 of the DGCL, including the advancement of expenses.
Fleetwood Metal Industries, LLC’s operating agreement provides for the indemnification, to the fullest extent permitted by law, of the member, officers, directors, and any other person who was or is a party or threatened to be made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of such person’s relationship with the company. However, a director is not indemnified for (i) breach of the duty of loyalty, (ii) acts or omissions involving gross negligence, intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law or (iii) transactions from which the officer received an improper benefit.
The limited liability company agreements of Cleveland-Cliffs Burns Harbor LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Columbus LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Plate LLC and Cleveland-Cliffs Steelton LLC (i) provide for the indemnification of the members to the fullest extent permitted by the LLC Act, (ii) permit the managers to indemnify any person in connection with litigation occurring in the ordinary course of business if the company is also a defendant but only so long as the individual being indemnified is also represented by the counsel that represents the company and (iii) permit a majority of the members to advance expenses to any manager or officer of the company in connection with litigation other than suits in the ordinary course of business of the company in which the company is also named as a defendant. Cleveland-Cliffs
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Burns Harbor LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Columbus LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Plate LLC and Cleveland-Cliffs Steelton LLC are also authorized to purchase or bear the cost of any insurance covering the potential liabilities of the company, members, any officer or employee of the company and any other person acting on behalf of the company.
The limited liability company agreements of Cleveland-Cliffs Cleveland Works LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Riverdale LLC and Cleveland-Cliffs Weirton LLC (i) provide for the indemnification of the managers to the fullest extent permitted by the LLC Act, except in cases of fraud, intentional misconduct, gross negligence and knowing violations of law, (ii) eliminate the members’ liability to the fullest extent under the LLC Act and (iii) allow the members to indemnify employees and other agents permitted to be indemnified under the LLC Act. Cleveland-Cliffs Cleveland Works LLC, Cleveland-Cliffs Riverdale LLC and Cleveland-Cliffs Weirton LLC are also authorized to perform and carry out contracts of insurance covering manager liability.
The limited liability company agreements of Cliffs UTAC Holding LLC and IronUnits LLC limit the liability of, and provide for indemnification against any losses incurred by, each company’s members, managers and officers for such persons’ negligence arising out of or in connection with the limited liability company agreement or the company’s business or affairs, but excluding liability primarily attributable to any such person’s malfeasance, fraud or willful misconduct. Cliffs UTAC Holding LLC and IronUnits LLC also have the authority to reimburse members, managers and officers for reasonable, out-of-pocket expenses as they are incurred in connection with any proceeding arising out of or in connection with their limited liability company agreements or their businesses or affairs.
The limited liability company agreements of each of United Taconite LLC and SNA Carbon, LLC eliminate the liability of its members, board designees and such other persons (including employees) as the board may designate from time to time for actions taken in good faith. They also provide for indemnification for losses or damages sustained with respect to a proceeding to which such person was made or is threatened to be made a party in such person’s capacity as a member, board designee or otherwise and advancement of reasonable, related expenses to the full extent permitted by Delaware law. United Taconite LLC also has the authority to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of such persons against any liability asserted against or incurred by them.
Cleveland-Cliffs Monessen Coke LLC’s second amended and restated limited liability company operating agreement provides for the indemnification of each employee, director, officer or agent of the company, the member, and each employee, director, officer, agent or shareholder of the member to the fullest extent under the LLC Act, except in cases of fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC’s amended and restated operating agreement provides for the indemnification, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, of the member, officers, directors, and any other person who was or is a party or threatened to be made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of such person’s relationship with the company against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), liability and loss actually and reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection with such proceeding. However, no such person is indemnified for gross negligence or willful misconduct. Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC shall pay expenses incurred by indemnified persons in defending a proceeding in advance upon receipt of a written undertaking of such person to repay such advances to the extent it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the company with respect to such expenses.
Cleveland-Cliffs Tubular Components LLC’s limited liability company agreement indemnifies the member to the fullest extent permitted by the LLC Act. The company may, to the extent and in such manner as determined by the member, but to no extent greater than is permitted under the law, indemnify its employees and other agents permitted to be indemnified by the LLC Act. Cleveland-Cliffs Tubular Components LLC is also authorized to purchase or bear the cost of any insurance covering the potential liabilities of the company, member, any officer or employee of the company and any other person acting on behalf of the company.
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Fleetwood Metal Industries, LLC’s limited liability company agreement provides for the indemnification of the member, the board and such other persons as are properly identified by the member by written instrument executed by the member for all costs, losses, liabilities and damages paid or accrued by the member, the board or any such other person in connection with the business of the company, to the fullest extent provided or allowed by the laws of Delaware. Fleetwood Metal Industries, LLC shall advance costs of defense of any proceeding to the member, the board or any such other person upon receipt by the company of an undertaking by or on behalf of the member or such other person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the member, the board or such other person is not entitled to be indemnified by the company.
Mountain State Carbon, LLC’s amended and restated limited liability company agreement, as amended, provides for the exculpation of an officer, manager, employee, member or affiliate thereof for mistakes of judgment or for action or inaction which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interest of the company (except for willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties) and, with respect to any criminal action, such party reasonably believes such party’s conduct was lawful. Mountain State Carbon, LLC must also indemnify such persons against all liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred in connection with the investigation, defense or disposition of any proceeding in which such person may be involved or threatened, except with respect to any matter which constitutes willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such person’s duties, or criminal intent. The agreement also provides for the reimbursement of indemnified costs and the advancement of such expenses, provided that such person agrees in writing to return such amounts in the event it is ultimately determined that such person was not entitled to indemnification or reimbursement of expenses.
PPHC Holdings, LLC’s second amended and restated limited liability company agreement provides for the indemnification, to the fullest extent permitted by law, of the member, officers, directors, and any other person who was or is a party or threatened to be made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of such person’s relationship with the company against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), liability and loss actually and reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection with such proceeding. However, an officer is not indemnified for (i) breach of the duty of loyalty or care, (ii) acts or omissions involving gross negligence, intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law or (iii) transactions from which the officer received an improper benefit. PPHC Holdings, LLC shall pay expenses incurred by indemnified persons in defending a proceeding in advance upon receipt of a written undertaking of such person to repay such advances to the extent it is ultimately determined by a court that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the company with respect to such expenses. PPHC Holdings, LLC also has the authority to purchase insurance on behalf of the company and on behalf of others to the extent the power to do so is not prohibited by law.
Cleveland-Cliffs Kote L.P. and Cleveland-Cliffs Tek L.P. are limited partnerships formed under the laws of the State of Delaware.
Section 17-108 of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act (the “DRULPA”) provides, in relevant part, that, subject to such standards and provisions, if any, as are set forth in its limited partnership agreement, a limited partnership may, and shall have the power to, indemnify and hold harmless any partner or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever.
The limited partnership agreements of Cleveland-Cliffs Kote L.P. and Cleveland-Cliffs Tek L.P. provide for the indemnification of partners, directors and officers and any other designated person against expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred to the fullest extent provided or allowed by the DRULPA.
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Michigan
Cliffs TIOP, Inc. and Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad Company are incorporated under the laws of the State of Michigan.
Under Section 561 of the Michigan Business Corporation Act (“MIBCA”), a Michigan corporation may indemnify a person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and whether formal or informal, other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses, (including attorneys’ fees),including attorney’s fees, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding provided that such director or officertherewith if the person acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders and, with respect to anya criminal action or proceeding, provided further that such director or officerif the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

Subsection (b) of

Under Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any current or former director, officer, employee or agent562 of the MIBCA, a Michigan corporation who wasmay also provide similar indemnity to such a person for expenses, including attorneys’ fees, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with actions or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suitsuits by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason ofif the fact that such person acted in any of the capacities set forth above, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit provided that such director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner hethe person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders, except that no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as toin which such director or officer shall havethe person has been adjudged to befound liable to the corporation, unless and only to the extentcourt determines that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, such director or officerperson is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnityindemnification in view of all relevant circumstances, in which case indemnification is limited to reasonable expenses incurred. To the extent that such person has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defending any such action, suit or proceeding referred to above or any claim, issue or matter therein, he or she is entitled to indemnification for expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such expenses whichperson in connection therewith.
Under Section 563 of the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

Section 145 further provides that to the extentMIBCA, if a director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of anyan action, suit, or proceeding referred to in subsections (a)Section 561 or (b)562, or in the defense of anya claim, issue, or matter therein, hein the action, suit, or sheproceeding, the corporation shall indemnify him or her against actual and reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit, or proceeding and an action, suit, or proceeding brought to enforce the mandatory indemnification.

Under Section 564a of the MIBCA, an indemnification under Section 561 or 562, unless ordered by the court or otherwise required by Section 563, shall be provided by the corporation only as authorized upon a determination that indemnification of such officer, director, employee, or agent is proper because the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Sections 561 and 562 have been met. Section 564a(1) sets forth the following ways such determination may be made: (a) by a majority vote of a quorum of the board consisting of directors who are not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit, or proceeding; (b) if a quorum cannot be obtained under subdivision (a), by majority vote of a committee duly designated by the board and consisting solely of two or more directors not at the time parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit, or proceeding; (c) in a written opinion by independent legal counsel selected by the board; (d) by all independent directors who are not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit, or proceeding; or (e) by the shareholders, but shares held by directors, officers, employees or agents who are parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding may not be voted.
The MIBCA also permits a Michigan corporation to purchase and maintain on behalf of such a person insurance against liabilities incurred in such capacities.
The bylaws of each of Cliffs TIOP, Inc. and Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad Company state that directors and officers shall be indemnified by the company against expenses, (including attorneys’ fees) actually andincluding attorney’s
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fees, reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith; that indemnification and advancementwith any action, suit or proceeding (whether civil or criminal) to which he or she may be made a party by reason of expenses providedhis or her being, or having been a director or officer of the company. This includes the cost of reasonable settlement where such settlement is approved by or granted pursuant to, Section 145the corporation. The corporation shall not be deemed exclusive ofindemnify any other rightsdirector or officer with respect to matters as to which such person shall have been finally adjudged to have been liable for negligence or misconduct in the indemnified party may be entitled; and empowers the corporationperformance of his or her duty as such director or officer.
Cliffs TIOP, Inc. is also authorized to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint

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venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted and incurred in any such capacity or arising out of such status, whether or not the corporation has agreed to indemnify, or would otherwise have the power to indemnify against himsuch liability. Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad Company is also authorized to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the company, or is or was serving at the request of the company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted and incurred in any such capacity or arising out of such status.

Tilden Mining Company L.C. is a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Michigan. Section 216 of the Michigan Limited Liability Company Act (“MLLCA”) permits a Michigan limited liability company to indemnify, hold harmless and defend any manager from and against any and all losses, expenses, claims and demands sustained by reason of any acts or omissions as a manager, as provided in an operating agreement, subject to certain exceptions. Section 216 of the MLLCA further permits a limited liability company to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a manager against any liability or expense asserted against or incurred by him or her in any such capacity or arising out of his or her status as such whether or not the company could indemnify him or her against such liability or expense.
Section 6.03 of the operating agreement of Tilden Mining Company L.C. provides that its members shall hold harmless and indemnify the company’s manager against expenses (i) arising out of any act of, or any purported assumption of, any obligation or responsibility by an indemnifying member or any of its directors, officers, employees or representatives done or undertaken pursuant to actual or apparent authority on behalf of the manager in connection with the company, with certain exceptions; (ii) arising out of any breach by an indemnifying member of its obligations or agreements under the operating agreement; or (iii) attributable to any obligations or liabilities of Tilden Mining Company L.C. providing for specific recourse to such indemnifying member.
West Virginia
Mid-Vol Coal Sales, Inc. is incorporated under the laws of the State of West Virginia.
The West Virginia Business Corporation Act (“WVBCA”) empowers a corporation to indemnify an individual made a party to a proceeding because he or she is or was a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if: (1)(A) he or she conducted himself or herself in good faith, (B) he or she reasonably believed (i) in the case of conduct in his or her official capacity with the corporation, that his or her conduct was in its best interests and (ii) in all other cases, that his or her conduct was at least not opposed to its best interests and (C) in the case of any criminal proceeding, he or she had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful or (2) he or she engaged in conduct for which broader indemnification has been made permissible or obligatory under a provision of the articles of incorporation. A corporation may not indemnify a director (unless ordered by a court under the WVBCA):
(1) in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation, except for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding if it is determined that the director has met the relevant standard of conduct under the WVBCA; or
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(2) in connection with any other proceeding with respect to conduct for which he or she was adjudged liable on the basis that he or she received financial benefit to which he or she was not entitled, whether or not involving action in his or her official capacity.
A corporation must indemnify a director who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she was a party because he or she is or was a director of the corporation against reasonable expenses incurred by him or her in connection with the proceeding.
Under the WVBCA, a corporation may advance funds to pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by a director who is a party to a proceeding because he or she is a director of the corporation in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding if:
(1) the director furnishes the corporation a written affirmation of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the relevant standard of conduct described in article 8, section 851 of the WVBCA or that the proceeding involves conduct for which liability has been eliminated under the corporation’s articles of incorporation as authorized in the WVBCA; and
(2) the director furnishes the corporation a written undertaking to repay the advance if the director is not entitled to mandatory indemnification under the WVBCA and it is ultimately determined that he or she did not meet the relevant standard of conduct described in article 8, section 851 of the WVBCA.
A corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer of the corporation to the same extent as to a director or, if he or she is an officer but not a director, to the further extent as may be provided in the articles of incorporation, the bylaws, a board resolution or a contract, except for (a) liability in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation other than for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding, (b) liability arising out of conduct that constitutes (i) receipt by him or her of a financial benefit to which he or she is not entitled, (ii) an intentional infliction of harm on the corporation or shareholders or (iii) an intentional violation of criminal law. A corporation may also purchase and maintain on behalf of a director or officer of the corporation insurance against liabilities incurred in such capacities or arising from his or her status as a director or officer, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her or advance expenses to him or her against such liabilitiesthe same liability under Section 145.

Article Seventh of the Certificate of Incorporation of AK Holding and Article Seven of the Certificate of Incorporation of AK Steel each state that the corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or testifies in, any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative in nature, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer or employee of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer or employee of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, employee benefit plan, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, penalties, amounts paid in settlement and other liabilities actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by law, and the corporation may adopt by-laws or enter into agreements with any such person for the purpose of providing such indemnification.

II-2

WVBCA.

II-9


Item 21. Exhibits andAnd Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)    Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:
(a)Exhibits (Including Those Incorporated By Reference)

Exhibit
No.

Description of Exhibit

Restated CertificateFourth Amended Articles of Incorporation of AK Steel Holding Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011,Cliffs, as filed with the SECSecretary of State of the State of Ohio on May 5, 2011).
    3.2By-laws of AK Steel Holding Corporation, as amended and restated as of May 27, 2010September 25, 2020 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’sCliffs’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 28, 2020)
Certificate of Amendment to Fourth Amended Articles of Incorporation of Cliffs, as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio on December 7, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Cliffs’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 9, 2020)
Regulations of Cliffs (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Cliffs’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, as filed with the SEC on February 22, 2011).
  *3.3Certificate of Incorporation of AK Steel Corporation, as amended.
  *3.4By-laws of AK Steel Corporation, as amended and restated as of January 13, 1994.
Indenture, dated as of November 20, 2012,March 16, 2020, among AK Steel Corporation, as issuer, AK Steel Holding Corporation, as guarantor,Cliffs, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral agent(including Form of 7.00% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2027) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.24.7 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’sCliffs’ Quarterly Report on Form 8-K, as filed with10-Q for the SEC on November 20, 2012).quarterly period ended March 31, 2020)
    4.2Form of 8.750% Senior Secured Note due 2018 (included in Exhibit 4.1).
    4.3Registration Rights Agreement,First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 20, 2012,May 22, 2020, among AK Steel Holding Corporation, AK Steel Corporation and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., as representatives ofCliffs, the initial purchasers named therein (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’s Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on November 20, 2012).
    4.4Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 24, 2013, among AK Steel Holding Corporation, AK Steel Corporation and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’s Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on June 24, 2013).
  *5.1Opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.
  10.1Security Agreement, dated as of November 20, 2012, among the AK Steel Corporationadditional guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.34.8 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’sCliffs’ Quarterly Report on Form 8-K, as filed with10-Q for the SEC on November 20, 2012).quarterly period ended June 30, 2020)
  10.2Collateral Trust Agreement,Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 20, 2012,December 9, 2020, among AK Steel CorporationCliffs, the additional guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.44.38 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’s Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on November 20, 2012).
*12.1Statement Regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  16.1Letter of Deloitte & Touche LLP, dated February 28, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 16.1 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’s Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on February 28, 2013).
  21.1Subsidiaries of AK Steel Holding Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’sCliffs’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC on February 28, 2013).2020)
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 18, 2020, among Cliffs, the additional guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.39 to Cliffs’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020)
*23.1Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2020, among Cliffs, the guarantors party thereto and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as dealer manager, with respect to Cliffs’ 7.00% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Cliffs’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020)
Opinion of Jones Day
Opinion of Frost Brown Todd LLC
Schedule of the obligated group, including the parent and issuer and the subsidiary guarantors that have guaranteed the obligations under the 7.00% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2027 issued by Cliffs (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 22 to Cliffs’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020)
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.LLP related to Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP related to ArcelorMittal USA LLC and Affiliates
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP related to I/N Kote
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP related to I/N Tek
Consent of Jones Day (included in Exhibit 5.1)
Consent of Frost Brown Todd LLC (included in Exhibit 5.2)
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
Power of Attorney with respect to Cannon Automotive Solutions – Bowling Green, Inc.
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Burns Harbor LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Cleveland Works LLC
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*23.2ConsentPower of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Columbus LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Investments Inc.
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Kote Inc.
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Kote L.P.
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Minorca Mine Inc.
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Monessen Coke LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Plate LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Railways Inc.
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Riverdale LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs South Chicago & Indiana Harbor Railway Inc.
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Holding Corporation
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Holdings Inc.
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Management Inc.
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Properties Inc.
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Steelton LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Steelworks Railway Inc.
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Tek Inc.
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Tek Kote Acquisition Corporation
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Tek L.P.
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Tubular Components LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs Weirton LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to Cliffs Mining Company
Power of Attorney with respect to Cliffs Minnesota Mining Company
Power of Attorney with respect to Cliffs TIOP Holding, LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to Cliffs TIOP, Inc.
Power of Attorney with respect to Cliffs TIOP II, LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to Cliffs UTAC Holding LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to Fleetwood Metal Industries, LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to IronUnits LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad Company
Power of Attorney with respect to Metallics Sales Company
Power of Attorney with respect to Mid-Vol Coal Sales, Inc.
Power of Attorney with respect to Mountain State Carbon, LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to Northshore Mining Company
Power of Attorney with respect to PPHC Holdings, LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to Precision Partners Holding Company
Power of Attorney with respect to Silver Bay Power Company
Power of Attorney with respect to SNA Carbon, LLC
Power of Attorney with respect to The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company
Power of Attorney with respect to Tilden Mining Company L.C.
Power of Attorney with respect to United Taconite LLC
II-11


*24.1Powers of Attorney.
*Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and QualificationU.S. Bank National Association, under the Trust Indenture Act of Trustee.1939
*Form of Letter of Transmittal.
*99.2Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.Transmittal

*Filed herewith.

II-3


II-12


Item 22. Undertakings.

(a)

The undersigned registrantsregistrant hereby undertake:

undertakes:

(1) Toto file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i)    Toto include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

Act of 1933;

(ii)    Toto reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20%20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.

statement; and

(iii)    Toto include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement

statement.

(2)That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3)To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4)That, for purposesthe purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness.Provided,,however,, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(5)That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:

Thesecurities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i)    Anyany preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (§ 230.424 of this chapter);

424;

II-13


(ii)    Anyany free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii)    Thethe portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

II-4


(iv)    Anyany other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(b) The undersigned registrants hereby undertake to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

(c) The undersigned registrants hereby undertake to supply by means of post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

(d) The undersigned registrants hereby undertake that,

(6)That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act)Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(e)

(7)Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrantsregistrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrants haveregistrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by athe registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, suchthe registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

II-5

(8)To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.
(9)To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.
II-14


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrantRegistrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the townshipCity of West Chester,Cleveland, State of Ohio, on the 12th day of July, 2013.

March 12, 2021.
AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATIONCLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC.
By:

/s/ Roger K. Newport

James D. Graham

Roger K. Newport

Name:

James D. Graham
Title:Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief FinancialLegal Officer

& Secretary

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statementregistration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated as of July 12, 2013.

and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date
*

/s/ James L. Wainscott

Chairman, of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
James L. Wainscott
C. Lourenco Goncalves

/s/ Roger K. Newport

Roger K. Newport

*
Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci

/s/ Gregory A. Hoffbauer

Gregory A. Hoffbauer

*
Vice President, Corporate Controller and& Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani

*

Robert H. Jenkins

Lead DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Douglas C. Taylor

*

Richard A. Abdoo

DirectorMarch 12, 2021
John T. Baldwin

*

John S. Brinzo

DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Robert P. Fisher, Jr.

*

Dennis C. Cuneo

DirectorMarch 12, 2021
William K. Gerber

*

William K. Gerber

DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Susan M. Green

*

Dr. Bonnie G. Hill

DirectorMarch 12, 2021
M. Ann Harlan

*

DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Ralph S. Michael, III

*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Janet L. Miller
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Eric M. Rychel
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Gabriel Stoliar
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Arlene M. Yocum


*

Shirley D. Peterson

Director

*

Dr. James A. Thomson

Director

* By:

/s/ David C. Horn

The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.1 on behalf of the registrant.
Name: David C. HornBy:/s/ James D. Graham
Title: Attorney-in-factJames D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact

II-15


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrantRegistrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the townshipCity of West Chester,Cleveland, State of Ohio, on the 12th day of July, 2013.

March 12, 2021.
AK STEEL CORPORATION
CANNON AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS – BOWLING GREEN, INC.
By:

/s/ Roger K. Newport

James D. Graham
Name:

Roger K. Newport

Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

James D. Graham
Title:Secretary

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated as of July 12, 2013.

and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date
*

/s/ James L. Wainscott

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
James L. WainscottMarch 12, 2021
O'neil Griffiths

/s/ Roger K. Newport

Roger K. Newport

*
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Joseph S. Faraca
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith

*

The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.2 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ GregoryJames D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact
II-16


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS BURNS HARBOR LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Hoffbauer

GregoryFloriani

*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Hoffbauer

Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.3 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-17


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS CLEVELAND WORKS LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.4 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact
II-18


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS COLUMBUS LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.5 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-19


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INVESTMENTS INC.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.6 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-20


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS KOTE INC.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*
Controller(Principal Accounting Officer)
March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.7 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-21


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS KOTE L.P.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and Member of the Management CommitteeMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) and Member of the Management CommitteeMarch 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*
Controller(Principal Accounting Officer)
March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*Member of the Management CommitteeMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor
/s/ James D. GrahamMember of the Management CommitteeMarch 12, 2021
James D. Graham
*Member of the Management CommitteeMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*Member of the Management CommitteeMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.8 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-22


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS MINORCA MINE INC.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*Chairman & President (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.9 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-23


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS MONESSEN COKE LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and Member of the Management BoardMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*Member of the Management BoardMarch 12, 2021
Traci L. Forrester
*Member of the Management BoardMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.10 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact

II-24


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS PLATE LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.11 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-25


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS RAILWAYS INC.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Senior Vice President, Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Vice President, Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.12 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-26


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS RIVERDALE LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.13 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-27


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS SOUTH CHICAGO & INDIANA HARBOR RAILWAY INC.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Vice President, Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.14 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-28


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS STEEL CORPORATION
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Vice President, Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani

*

Robert H. Jenkins

Lead DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor

*

Richard A. Abdoo

DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci

*

John S. Brinzo

Director

*

Dennis C. Cuneo

Director

*

William K. Gerber

Director

*

Dr. Bonnie G. Hill

Director

*

Ralph S. Michael III

Director


*

Shirley D. Peterson

Director

*

Dr. James A. Thomson

Director

* By:

/s/ David C. Horn

The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.15 on behalf of the registrant.
Name: David C. HornBy:/s/ James D. Graham
Title: Attorney-in-factJames D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact



II-29

Exhibit Index

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.

Exhibit
No.

Description of Exhibit

CLEVELAND-CLIFFS STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION
    3.1By:/s/ James D. Graham
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of AK Steel Holding Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended Name:James D. Graham
Title:Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 31, 2011, as filed with the SEC on May 5, 2011).12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Vice President, Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
    3.2By-laws of AK Steel Holding Corporation, as amended and restated as of May 27, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, as filed with the SEC on February 22, 2011).
  *3.3Certificate of Incorporation of AK Steel Corporation, as amended.
  *3.4By-laws of AK Steel Corporation, as amended and restated as of January 13, 1994.
    4.1Indenture, dated as of November 20, 2012, among AK Steel Corporation, as issuer, AK Steel Holding Corporation, as guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’s Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on November 20, 2012).
    4.2Form of 8.750% Senior Secured Note due 2018 (included in Exhibit 4.1).
    4.3Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 20, 2012, among AK Steel Holding Corporation, AK Steel Corporation and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., as representatives of the initial purchasers named therein (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’s Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on November 20, 2012).
    4.4Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 24, 2013, among AK Steel Holding Corporation, AK Steel Corporation and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’s Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on June 24, 2013).
  *5.1Opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.
  10.1Security Agreement, dated as of November 20, 2012, among the AK Steel Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’s Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on November 20, 2012).
  10.2Collateral Trust Agreement, dated as of November 20, 2012, among AK Steel Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’s Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on November 20, 2012).
*12.1Statement Regarding ComputationThe undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of RatioAttorney executed on behalf of Earnings to Fixed Charges.the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.16 on behalf of the registrant.
  16.1By:Letter of Deloitte & Touche LLP, dated February 28, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 16.1 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’s Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on February 28, 2013)./s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-30


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
  21.1Subsidiaries of AK Steel Holding Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to AK Steel Holding Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC on February 28, 2013).CLEVELAND-CLIFFS STEEL HOLDINGS INC.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*23.1ConsentThe undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Deloitte & Touche LLP.Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.17 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-31


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS STEEL LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and President of Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Holdings Inc., the Sole Member of the RegistrantMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Senior Vice President, Finance & Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*23.2ConsentThe undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (included inAttorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 5.1).24.18 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-32


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS STEEL MANAGEMENT INC.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Traci L. Forrester
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*24.1PowersThe undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney.Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.19 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-33


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS STEEL PROPERTIES INC.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Traci L. Forrester
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*25.1The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form T-1 StatementS-4 pursuant to a Power of EligibilityAttorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and Qualificationfiled herewith as Exhibit 24.20 on behalf of Trustee.the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact

II-34


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.

CLEVELAND-CLIFFS STEELTON LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*99.1The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of LetterAttorney executed on behalf of Transmittal.the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.21 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-35


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS STEELWORKS RAILWAY INC.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Senior Vice President, Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Vice President, Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*99.2The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.22 on behalf of the registrant.
Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact



II-36


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS TEK INC.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*Filed herewithPresident (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci

*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.23 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-37


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS TEK KOTE ACQUISITION CORPORATION
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.24 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact

II-38


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS TEK L.P.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and Member of the Management CommitteeMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*
Controller(Principal Accounting Officer)
March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*Member of the Management CommitteeMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor
/s/ James D. GrahamMember of the Management CommitteeMarch 12, 2021
James D. Graham
*Member of the Management CommitteeMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*Member of the Management CommitteeMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.25 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-39


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS TUBULAR COMPONENTS LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and President of Cleveland-Cliffs Investments Inc., the Sole Member of the RegistrantMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.26 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-40


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS WEIRTON LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Terry G. Fedor
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.27 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-41


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLIFFS MINING COMPANY
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer)March 12, 2021
James M. Kochevar
*Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*Vice President, Corporate Controller & Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Traci L. Forrester
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.28 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-42


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLIFFS MINNESOTA MINING COMPANY
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer)March 12, 2021
James M. Kochevar
*Controller (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Traci L. Forrester
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.29 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-43


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLIFFS TIOP HOLDING, LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel and Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer)March 12, 2021
James M. Kochevar
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*President of The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company, the Sole Member of the RegistrantMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.30 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-44


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLIFFS TIOP, INC.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer)March 12, 2021
James M. Kochevar
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.31 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-45


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLIFFS TIOP II, LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:General Counsel and Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and President of Cliffs TIOP Holding, LLC, the Sole Member of the RegistrantMarch 12, 2021
James M. Kochevar
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.32 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact

II-46


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
CLIFFS UTAC HOLDING LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer)March 12, 2021
James M. Kochevar
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.33 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-47


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
FLEETWOOD METAL INDUSTRIES, LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)March 12, 2021
O'neil Griffiths
*Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Joseph S. Faraca
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.34 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-48


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
IRONUNITS LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Vice President, Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Traci L. Forrester
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.35 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-49


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
LAKE SUPERIOR & ISHPEMING RAILROAD COMPANY
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer)March 12, 2021
James M. Kochevar
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Traci L. Forrester
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.36 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-50


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
METALLICS SALES COMPANY
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*Vice President, Corporate Controller & Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Traci L. Forrester
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.37 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-51


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
MID-VOL COAL SALES, INC.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Traci L. Forrester
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.38 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-52


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
MOUNTAIN STATE CARBON, LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer)March 12, 2021
Traci L. Forrester
*Vice President, Controller and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.39 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-53


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
NORTHSHORE MINING COMPANY
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer)March 12, 2021
James M. Kochevar
*Senior Vice President, Finance & Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Vice President, Corporate Controller & Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.40 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-54


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
PPHC HOLDINGS, LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)March 12, 2021
O'neil Griffiths
*Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Joseph S. Faraca
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*ManagerMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.41 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-55


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
PRECISION PARTNERS HOLDING COMPANY
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)March 12, 2021
O'neil Griffiths
*Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Joseph S. Faraca
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.42 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-56


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
SILVER BAY POWER COMPANY
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer)March 12, 2021
James M. Kochevar
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Traci L. Forrester
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.43 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-57


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
SNA CARBON, LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer)March 12, 2021
Traci L. Forrester
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*President of Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation, the Sole Member of the RegistrantMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.44 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-58


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
THE CLEVELAND-CLIFFS IRON COMPANY
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) and DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.45 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-59


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
TILDEN MINING COMPANY L.C.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary of The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company, the Manager of the Registrant
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President of The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company, the Manager of the Registrant (Principal Executive Officer)March 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company, the Manager of the Registrant (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company, the Manager of the Registrant (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*President of Cliffs TIOP, Inc., one of the Members of the RegistrantMarch 12, 2021
James M. Kochevar
*President of Cliffs TIOP II, LLC, one of the Members of the RegistrantMarch 12, 2021
James M. Kochevar
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.46 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact


II-60


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on March 12, 2021.
UNITED TACONITE LLC
By:/s/ James D. Graham
Name:James D. Graham
Title:Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
*President (Principal Executive Officer)March 12, 2021
James M. Kochevar
*Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)March 12, 2021
Celso L. Goncalves, Jr.
*Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)March 12, 2021
Kimberly A. Floriani
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Maurice D. Harapiak
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Keith A. Koci
*DirectorMarch 12, 2021
Clifford T. Smith
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to a Power of Attorney executed on behalf of the above-indicated directors of the registrant and filed herewith as Exhibit 24.47 on behalf of the registrant.
By:/s/ James D. Graham
James D. Graham, as Attorney-in-Fact




II-61