NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Dec. 6, 2012--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it assigned its 'BBB-' issue-level rating to Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.'s proposed senior unsecured notes due 2018. The company is issuing the notes under its shelf registration for well-known and seasoned issuers filed on March 10, 2010. The notes will be senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of Cliffs' existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The company intends to use the proceeds from this offering to repay a portion of its existing debts, including its $270 million and $55 million private placement notes due 2013 and 2015, respectively, as well as for general corporate purposes including repayment of amounts outstanding under its
