Exhibit 23(a)


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8) pertaining to the Cleveland-Cliffs Inc 1992 Incentive Equity Plan (As
Amended and Restated as of May 13, 1997) of our report dated February 13, 1997,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc and consolidated subsidiaries included in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.



                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
June 27, 1997












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