New company will continue the 100-year mineral engineering and management business
formerly under the direction of Meriden Engineering

Hibbing, MN - Newly formed Superior Mineral Resources LLC will assume control of the operations of Meriden Engineering, an historic Iron Range mineral engineering and management firm.  This will combine the mineral holdings of three prominent mining families under Meriden's management into a single asset to be managed by the new company, the board of directors announced today. Meriden Engineering will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Superior Mineral.

The consolidation of widespread mineral resources located throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan will allow Superior Mineral Resources to manage the resources more effectively and maximize their value.

Meriden Iron Company was formed in 1903 by the Pillsbury, Bennett and Longyear families whose members had been working since the 1880s to develop mineral holdings on the Mesabi Iron Range.  The name was later changed to Meriden Engineering.  For more than 100 years, the company has managed the mineral lands owned by the Pillsbury, Bennett and Longyear families, as well as the mineral and land assets of other clients.

"As we continue into our second century in the mineral business, it is time to consolidate the substantial mineral holdings we control to streamline operations and maximize the potential of our resources," said Joseph C. Bennett, chairman of the newly formed Superior Mineral Resources LLC.

"Having central control of these valuable minerals will enhance our ability to develop this significant mineral asset," Bennett said.

Among its responsibilities, Meriden Engineering negotiated, managed and audited leases for the various companies owned by the three families. Consolidating the mineral holdings will enhance development potential and minimize duplication of effort on the part of mining companies and Superior Mineral Resources.

Superior Mineral Resources will continue to manage the land and mineral assets of Meriden's many valued clients, who remain an important part of the future land management strategy of the new company.

"This is an excellent opportunity to work with the mining companies to develop common lease terms and common language," said Howard Hilshorst, president and CEO of the new Superior Mineral Resources, and former Executive Vice President of Minnesota Steel Industries and former President and CEO of EVTAC Mining.

"Consolidating our mineral holdings also will allow us to expedite our leasing and royalty processes with the mining companies, resulting in savings for all parties," Hilshorst added.

For further information, contact Howard Hilshorst at 218-262-6127 or via email at hhilshorst@superiormineral.com.