IMMEDIATE RELEASE        October 30 , 2002

Duluth, Minn., U.S.A.—Continued strong iron ore and western coal shipments through the Port of Duluth-Superior held this year’s volume of commerce above 2001’s level, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority reported today.

Extended Tonnage

All cargo through September reached 27.3 million metric tons, a five percent increase from last year’s 26 million tons and six percent above the five-year average of 25.8 million tons.

Iron ore cargoes in Duluth-Superior increased 21 percent from last season’s 10 million tons to 12.2 million tons, a significant rise considering Great Lakes total iron ore shipments were reportedly nearly three percent behind last year’s level.

Coal shipments through September at Superior’s Midwest Energy Resources Co. reached 11.2 million tons, two percent above last year’s 11 million tons. Outbound coal through the facility is expected to set another record at the end of the season for the ninth consecutive year.

The Port’s third leading cargo, bulk grain shipments, reached 1.7 million tons as compared to last year’s 2.3 million tons. The 25 percent decrease is largely attributed to a weak U.S. export market combined with a lakes-wide decline in steel imports, meaning fewer outbound ocean ships available at competitive rates.

Together, the Port’s three principal cargoes of iron ore, coal and grain equaled 92 percent of total commerce. Iron ore contributed 45 percent, coal 41 percent and grain six percent.

Total international trade, led by Canadian iron ore and coal shipments, reached 9.1 million tons, 12.5 percent above last year’s 8.1 million tons.

Increased domestic shipments of iron ore helped bring total domestic trade to 18.1 million tons, a one percent rise from the 17.9 million tons reached a year ago.

The slight upswing in overall tonnage was reflected by increased vessels visiting the Port through September. This year’s total of 769, up by 36 from last year, was composed of 469 U.S.-flag, 213 Canadian-flag and 87 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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