Exhibit 99(a)



NEWS RELEASE
                                                     Cleveland-Cliffs Inc
                                                     1100 Superior Avenue
                                                     Cleveland, Ohio  44114-2589



         CLEVELAND - September 29, 1998 - Cleveland-Cliffs Inc (NYSE:CLF)
reported today that the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Acme Metals Incorporated
(NYSE:AMI) is not expected to have a significant impact on Cliffs' financial
results for the year 1998.

         Acme is a partner in the Cliffs-managed Wabush Mine in Canada and an
iron ore sales customer. Cliffs has a multi-year sales contract to supply Acme's
iron ore requirements in excess of Acme's 15.1 percent ownership in the Wabush
Mine. Acme has historically accounted for less than 5 percent of Cliffs' total
sales volume.

         Cliffs' President and Chief Executive Officer John S. Brinzo said, "We
have a long and valued relationship with Acme which we expect to continue. We
are encouraged that Acme has indicated that it has arranged financing to allow
continued operations, including honoring all post-petition trade obligations."

         This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to
the "safe harbor" provisions of the federal securities law. Investors are
cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties,
and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such
forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements in
this press release include, but are not limited to, the effect of economic and
market conditions, further adverse developments with respect to the operations
of Acme's various businesses, and development of the Chapter 11 case.

         Cleveland-Cliffs is the largest supplier of iron ore products to the
North American steel industry and is developing a significant ferrous metallics
business. Subsidiaries of the Company manage six iron ore mines in North America
and hold equity interests in five of the mines. Cliffs has a major iron ore
reserve position in the United States, is a substantial iron ore merchant, and
is constructing a joint venture plant in Trinidad to produce high-quality iron
briquettes.

         To obtain faxed copies of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc news releases dial
1-800-778-3888. News releases and other information on the Company are available
on the Internet at http://www.businesswire.com/cnn/clf.htm.
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CONTACT: Cleveland-Cliffs Inc
         Media:  David L. Gardner, 216/694-5407
         or
         Financial Community:  Fred B. Rice, 800/214-0739 
         or 216/694-5459