IMMEDIATE RELEASE        July 25, 2002

Duluth, Minn., U.S.A.—Port of Duluth-Superior iron ore shipments through June surpassed coal shipments for the first time since November 2000, helping total waterborne commerce reach 12.3 million metric tons—three percent below the 12.7 tons handled last year—the Duluth Seaway Port Authority reported today.

Extended Tonnage Figures

Iron ore had been the Port’s dominant cargo for more than a century when it was overtaken by western coal in December 2000. Coal continued as the Port’s tonnage leader until June’s iron ore shipments of 5.4 million tons surpassed coal shipments by five percent. Total cargo trailed the five-year average of 12.6 million tons by two percent.

Increased production at Minnesota mines helped iron ore shipments exceed last year’s 5.2 million tons by four percent.

Coal shipments through June of 5.1 million tons slipped five percent below last year’s level of 5.4 million tons. Industry officials said mild weather and a weak economy contributed to a slower start this season, but they expect shipments will increase as the summer heats up and the economy shows signs of rebounding.

The Port’s third-leading commodity of bulk grain reached 709,619 tons, a 21 percent decline from last year’s 900,540 tons. U.S. Department of Agriculture reports attribute the decline to shrinking global imports and intense competition, but indicate shipments could increase later in the year as poor weather drives grain prices up.

Iron ore, coal and grain equaled 92 percent of total commerce—iron ore with 44 percent, coal with 42 percent and grain with six percent.

Total international cargoes of 4.3 million tons surpassed 2001’s 3.9 million tons by 10 percent. Domestic trade of 7.9 million tons represented a nine percent decrease from last year’s figure of 8.7 million tons.

Vessel calls through June reached 357, an increase of six from last year’s total of 351. Making up that total were 209 U.S.-flag, 109 Canadian-flag and 39 overseas vessels.

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CONTACT: Ray Skelton, Environmental & Government Affairs Director

Lisa Marciniak, Port Promotion Manager, 218-727-8525

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