December 24, 2012 The projected average price for iron ore for 2013 is $120/ton, based upon the largest buyer, China's government agency. Charles Kubach, Mine-Engineer.com Iron Ore Update October 13, 2011 The iron ore market continues to plug along, sustaining prices in the $170 per ton range. It is estimated that over 1 billions tons of iron ore are exported from the country of mining. China has cooled a bit, to temper inflation, but shows strong demand into the near future. For the iron miners, profits are very good, and demand appears to sustain the market for the near term. John Steely, Mine-Engineer.com

FEBUARY 19, 2010 Iron Ore prices are expected to rise during the 2010 through 2011 period. Expected price increases are anticipated to range between 10% up to 60%, in some cases, as new contracts for iron ore delivery are negotiated. This is good news for all iron ore miners, as it will continue their growth period forward. John Steely, Mine-Engineer.com Iron Ore Prices are rarely published, due to the fact that most iron ore is used internally by steel companies, and iron ore mines that sell their ore usually do so under long term contracts, negotiated with each buyer. June 30, 2007 China's average price of iron ore prices ranged from $97 to $113 (USD) per ton during January through May 2007 (National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)). In the same period, the domestic steel price also represented an average growth of 10% to $509 per ton. In detail, the average price of steel wire ($509/ton), deformed steel bar ($521/ton), medium plate($528/ton) and cold rolled steel strip ($556/ton). On 1 Aug 2006, the spot iron ore prices for China delivery is $70 per ton at the delivery port (CFR) China. Iron ore pellets delivered price is $90 per ton at the China port. Iron ore pellets specs usually include 65% or greater iron content, while iron ore (lump) generally will be for 61% to 63% iron content. Cargo rates for shipping iron ore too China from Australia range from $15-$20/ton, while shipping from Brazil to China range between $30 to $40/ton. Trends Update June 30, 2007 China instituted a export tariff on steel in May 2007, to restrict and reduce the export of its steel, which it needs for domestic projects. Iron Trends: China is responsible for over 70% of the growth rate for steel since the year 2000. This makes China a major factor in the global steel market. With the Chinese economy growing at double digit rates, it is not likely to change in the near future, however there will be up and down trends as their economy cools a bit, then resumes its frantic pace. With some of China's domestic iron ore mines reaching levels of only 10% Fe, it would appear that they will be importing more iron ore in the foreseeable future. India's economy is likewise picking up steam, and likewise is their requirement for steel. This will put pressure on the price of available iron ore to increase, since India is one of the major suppliers of China's iron ore. John Steely, Mine-Engineer.com 5 July, 2007