Freewest Resources Canada Inc.

[Press Release] Cliffs Acquisition of Freewest Completed

27 Jan 2010 19:57:00 GMT

MONTREAL, QUEBEC—( Jan. 27, 2010) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) ("Freewest" or the "Company") announced today the completion of its previously announced arrangement (the "Arrangement") under the Canada Business Corporations Act. The Arrangement was approved on January 25, 2010 by holders of Freewest common shares ("Freewest Shares"). The Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) granted its final order approving the Arrangement on January 26, 2010.

Pursuant to the Arrangement, Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. ("Cliffs") indirectly acquired all of the Freewest Shares not already owned by it and its affiliates in exchange for 0.02016 of a common share of Cliffs per Freewest share (the "Share Consideration").

Upon surrender to Computershare Investor Services Inc. (the "Depositary") of certificates representing Freewest Shares that were outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Arrangement, together with a duly completed and executed Letter of Transmittal, registered holders of such shares are entitled to receive the Share Consideration pursuant to, and subject to the terms and conditions of, the Plan of Arrangement. Each registered shareholder (other than CDS and DTC) will receive a Direct Registration Advice (DRA), evidencing the Cliffs shares held by such shareholder. A shareholder can request to receive a physical share certificate representing the Share Consideration by completing the information accompanying the DRA. Any questions regarding payment of the Share Consideration, including any requests for an additional copy of the Letter of Transmittal, should be directed to the Depositary via telephone at 1-800-564-6253 (toll free in North America) or 514-982-7555 or via email at corporateactions@computershare.com .

Non-registered holders of Freewest Shares that were outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Arrangement should contact their nominee (i.e., broker, trust company, bank or other registered holder) which holds the certificates representing such securities, on their behalf to arrange for surrender and payment pursuant to the Arrangement.

It is expected that the Freewest Shares will be delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange later this week. Freewest intends to apply to the relevant securities regulatory authorities to cease to be a reporting issuer in each of the jurisdictions in Canada in which it is currently reporting.

About Freewest

About Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. is an international mining and natural resources company. A member of the S&P 500 Index, we are the largest producer of iron ore pellets in North America, a major supplier of direct-shipping lump and fines iron ore out of Australia and a significant producer of metallurgical coal. With core values of environmental and capital stewardship, our colleagues across the globe endeavor to provide all stakeholders operating and financial transparency as embodied in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework. Our Company is organized through three geographic business units:

The North American business unit is comprised of six iron ore mines owned or managed in Michigan, Minnesota and Canada and two coking coal mining complexes located in West Virginia and Alabama. The Asia Pacific business unit is comprised of two iron ore mining complexes in Western Australia and a 45% economic interest in a coking and thermal coal mine in Queensland, Australia. The Latin American business unit includes a 30% interest in the Amapa Project, an iron ore project in the state of Amapa in Brazil.

Other projects under development include a biomass production plant in Michigan and Ring of Fire chromite properties in Ontario, Canada. Over recent years, Cliffs has been executing a strategy designed to achieve scale in the mining industry and focused on serving the world's largest and fastest growing steel markets.

Caution Concerning Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to Freewest, including statements regarding the delisting of its securities from the TSX Venture Exchange and it ceasing to be a reporting issuer. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words 'believes,' 'intends', 'plans,' 'anticipates,' 'expects,' 'estimates' or similar expressions) and refer to management's expectations or plans and should be considered to be forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The results or events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events. As a result, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect including, but not limited to, the applicable regulators and stock exchanges consenting to the delisting of Freewest's securities and Freewest ceasing to be a reporting issuer. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by Canadian securities laws, Freewest disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, Freewest undertakes no obligation to comment on expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of Freewest or the acquisition of Freewest by Cliffs.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.
Mr. Steve R. Baisden
Director, Investor Relations and
Corporate Communications
(216)-694-5280
www.cliffsnaturalresources.com

[Press Release] Freewest Obtains Final Order for Arrangement With Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

26 Jan 2010 16:17:00 GMT

- Arrangement expected to close on January 27

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - (Jan. 26, 2010) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) announces that it today obtained a final order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) in respect of its previously-announced Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE:CLF)(PARIS:CLF).

Pursuant to the Arrangement, Freewest shareholders will receive 0.02016 of a Cliffs share for each Freewest share, or approximately 20 Cliffs shares for every 1,000 Freewest shares. As previously announced, it is expected that the Arrangement will become effective on Wednesday, January 27, and that Freewest's shares will be delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange shortly thereafter.

About Freewest

About Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

The North American business unit is comprised of six iron ore mines owned or managed in Michigan, Minnesota and Eastern Canada, and two coking coal mining complexes located in West Virginia and Alabama. The Asia Pacific business unit is comprised of two iron ore mining complexes in Western Australia and a 45% economic interest in a coking and thermal coal mine in Queensland, Australia. The South American business unit includes a 30% interest in the Amapa Project, an iron ore project in the state of Amapa in Brazil.

Over recent years, Cliffs has been executing a strategy designed to achieve scale in the mining industry and focused on serving the world's largest and fastest growing steel markets.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. ("Freewest"). Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Freewest will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to whether the proposed plan of arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. will be completed. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Freewest's management at the time the information is released and Freewest does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
Fax: (514) 878-4427
info@freewest.com
http://www.freewest.com

[Press Release] Freewest Shareholders Approve Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

25 Jan 2010 15:45:00 GMT

- Freewest to apply for final order from Court on January 26

- Arrangement expected to close on January 27

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Jan. 25, 2010) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) announces that its shareholders approved a previously-announced Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE:CLF)(PARIS:CLF) at a special meeting of Freewest shareholders held today in Montreal. Of a total of 159,808,069 Freewest shares voted, 131,247,614 shares (82.13%) were voted in favour of the Arrangement with Cliffs while 28,560,455 shares (17.87%) were voted against.

The Arrangement was also approved by a majority of the votes cast by Freewest shareholders, excluding the votes cast by Mackenzie I. Watson and Ronny Kay, two of Freewest's executive officers and directors, as required by applicable Canadian securities legislation.

The Arrangement with Cliffs provides that Freewest shareholders will receive, for each Freewest share, a fixed amount of CDN$1.00 in Cliffs shares, based on a five-day volume weighted average trading price of Cliffs' shares on the New York Stock Exchange. If, as expected, the effective date of the Arrangement is January 27, the volume weighted average trading price of Cliffs' shares on the New York Stock Exchange for the relevant five-day period, from January 15 to January 22, as converted into Canadian dollars, is $49.70. As a result, Freewest shareholders will receive 0.0201 of a Cliffs share for each Freewest share, or approximately 20 Cliffs shares for every 1,000 Freewest shares.

As previously announced, Freewest will apply to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) for a final order in respect of the Arrangement tomorrow, January 26. If the final order is granted by the Court, it is expected that the Arrangement will become effective on Wednesday, January 27. Freewest expects that its shares will be delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange shortly thereafter.

"We are very pleased that our shareholders approved the Arrangement with Cliffs with a strong majority," said Mackenzie I. Watson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freewest. "We look forward to completing the transaction with Cliffs later this week".

About Freewest

About Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

Over recent years, Cliffs has been executing a strategy designed to achieve scale in the mining industry and focused on serving the world's largest and fastest growing steel markets.

Forward-Looking Statements

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
Fax: (514) 878-4427
info@freewest.com
www.freewest.com

[Press Release] Freewest Amends Stock Option Plans

22 Jan 2010 22:30:00 GMT

MONTREAL, QUEBEC-(Jan. 22, 2010) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) announces that its Board of Directors has enacted technical amendments to Freewest's 1997 Stock Option Plan and 2003 Stock Option Plan, to give holders of vested "in-the-money" options the right to elect to be paid in cash, under the Stock Option Plans, the same amount that they would otherwise be entitled to receive pursuant to the proposed Plan of Arrangement between Freewest and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

Any such election by an option holder will become effective only upon acceptance in writing by Freewest. Upon acceptance by Freewest, the options will be immediately cancelled and an optionee will have no further rights with respect to such options, other than the right to be paid for them. Payment will be made by Freewest no later than three business days after acceptance by Freewest of the notice.

The amendments to the 1997 Stock Option Plan and 2003 Stock Option Plan are subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Freewest

Forward-Looking Statements

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.

Mackenzie I. Watson

President and CEO

(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551

Fax: (514) 878-4427

info@freewest.com

www.freewest.com

[Press Release] Freewest Announces Initial Mineral Resource Estimate for the Black Thor ...

14 Jan 2010 17:38:00 GMT

Freewest Announces Initial Mineral Resource Estimate for the Black Thor Chromite Deposit on Its 100%-Owned McFaulds Property, Northern Ontario

HIGHLIGHTS:

- Black Thor contains an Inferred Mineral Resource of 69,554,960 tonnes at a grade of 31.9% Cr2O3 utilizing a cut-off grade of 25% Cr2O3

- Black Thor is open-ended along strike and at depth, auguring well for further expanding this current mineral resource base

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - Jan. 14, 2010) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) is pleased to announce the initial National Instrument 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate for the Black Thor chromite deposit on its 100%-owned McFaulds property. The 100%-owned McFaulds property, consisting of 1,036 hectares, comprises one of three properties in the "Ring of Fire" metals district in northern Ontario that Freewest is exploring on its own or under joint-venture agreements.

MINERAL RESOURCES:

The Black Thor chromite deposit contains an Inferred Mineral Resource of 69,554,960 tonnes grading 31.9% Cr2O3. This Inferred Mineral Resource is based on a 25% cut-off grade for chromite; utilizing different cut-off grades for chromite yields a range of tonnes and grades for the Black Thor chromite deposit as set out in the table below. This initial mineral resource estimate is compliant with National Instrument 43-101. The details of the mineral resource estimate are as follows:

The tonnage-grade curve for the Black Thor chromite deposit set out below helps to illustrate the effect of different cut-off grades for Cr2O3 on available Inferred Mineral Resources. The mining and processing methods to be chosen will help determine what proportion can be upgraded to "mineral reserves", as Inferred Mineral Resources do not take into account mineability and dilution.

Freewest contracted Mr. Alan J. Aubut, M. Sc., P. Geo. (Ontario) of Sibley Basin Group Geological Services to calculate the National Instrument 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate for Black Thor and to write an accompanying technical report. He is currently a member in good standing in the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (Practicing Member 1750). Mr. Aubut has more than ten years of practical experience in mineral resource estimation, particularly with orthomagmatic nickel-copper-platinum group element deposits (Thompson nickel belt, Manitoba) as well as orthomagmatic chromium-platinum group element deposits.

Mr. Aubut estimated the mineral resource from a block model that was controlled by constructing a wire frame from the interpretation of geological cross-sections. The resulting mineral envelope for Black Thor extends from surface to a vertical depth of about 400 metres below surface. Block model grades were then calculated geostatistically using ordinary kriging.

Due to the shortage of time and incomplete data, it was not possible to include platinum, palladium or the chrome-to-iron ratios (Cr:Fe) in this initial mineral resource estimate. These parameters will be included in a technical report that is required to be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this news release. Systematic calculation of Cr:Fe ratios for the 54 drill holes utilized in this mineral resource calculation indicate Cr:Fe ratios of 1.80 for chromite grades of 30% and greater and Cr:Fe ratios of 2.08 for chromite grades of 40% and greater. In Freewest's view, based on published ratios for known producing chromite deposits globally, such ratios are indicative of very good ore quality.

To view the image associated with this release, please visit the following link:

ABOUT BLACK THOR:

The Black Thor chromite deposit has been traced on the McFaulds property over a 2.9 kilometre strike-length, remaining open-ended along strike and to depth. It is the most extensive chromite-bearing body on the McFaulds property and, to date, within the entire Ring of Fire metals district. It strikes southwest to northeast and has an over-turned sub-vertical dip towards the northwest ranging between 70 degrees and 85 degrees. The zone typically contains two chromite layers known as the Lower and Upper zones that range in thickness from tens of metres to more than 100 metres in thickness. The zones are separated by a horizon of disseminated chromite hosted within peridotite and dunite.

The goal of an up-coming third phase of diamond drilling at Black Thor is to upgrade the Inferred Mineral Resource to the Indicated Mineral Resource category. In this regard, a planned 10,000-metre diamond drilling program is slated to commence late January, 2010.

Donald Hoy, P. Geo. (Ontario), Vice-President, Exploration and a Director of Freewest Resources Canada Inc., is the Qualified Person (under National Instrument 43-101) on the McFaulds property and is responsible for the preparation and verification of data contained in this news release.

ABOUT FREEWEST:

Georgeson is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with the proposed Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

Georgeson

100 University Avenue

11th Floor, South Tower

Toronto, Ontario

M5J 2Y1

North American Toll Free Number: 1-866- 433-7579

Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. ("Freewest"). Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Freewest will derive therefrom. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Freewest's management at the time the information is released and Freewest does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

For more information, please contact

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
514-878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
514-878-4427 (FAX)
info@freewest.com
www.freewest.com

[Press Release] Freewest Reminds Shareholders to Vote for Plan of Arrangement With Cliffs

14 Jan 2010 13:11:00 GMT

MONTREAL, QUEBEC, Jan. 14, 2010 -- Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) reminds its shareholders to vote FOR the proposed Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE:CLF)(PARIS:CLF) at the special meeting of Freewest shareholders to be held in Montreal on January 25, 2010. The Plan of Arrangement provides that Freewest shareholders will receive, for each Freewest share, a fixed amount of $1.00 in Cliffs shares. The deadline for submitting proxy forms and voting instruction forms is noon, eastern time, on Thursday, January 21, 2010.

Freewest also announces that both Institutional Shareholders Services Canada Corp. (RiskMetrics Group) and Glass Lewis & Co., independent proxy advisory services firms, have issued reports recommending that Freewest shareholders vote for the proposed Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs.

"We are very pleased that both ISS in Canada and Glass Lewis in the United States recommend that Freewest shareholders vote for our transaction with Cliffs," said Mackenzie I. Watson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freewest. "ISS and Glass Lewis are leading independent advisory firms. Their recommendations confirm our view that the transaction with Cliffs is in the best interests of Freewest and fair to our shareholders" added Mr. Watson.

In recommending that Freewest shareholders vote for the proposed transaction, Glass Lewis noted that:

- the proposed consideration of $1.00 per Freewest share represents a 52-week high for Freewest and an overwhelming premium to Freewest's unaffected share price

- market response to the proposed transaction with Cliffs has been overwhelmingly positive

- the implied premium to Freewest's unaffected share price (217.4%) and multiple of price-to-tangible book value (6.6x) implied by the $1.00 per share consideration compare favourably with Glass Lewis' analysis of 17 precedent transactions of similar nature

In recommending that Freewest shareholders vote for the proposed transaction, Institutional Shareholders Services noted that:

- the Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs is the result of a strategic review process undertaken in response to the hostile take-over bid by Noront Resources Ltd.

- the consideration offered by Cliffs was increased several times

- market reaction is positive

The proposed Plan of Arrangement has been unanimously approved by Freewest's Board of Directors, based in part on the recommendation of a Special Committee of the Board and a fairness opinion of CIBC World Markets Inc., Freewest's financial advisor. The details of the Plan of Arrangement and the fairness opinion are included in Freewest's management proxy circular dated December 22, 2009, a copy of which has been mailed to Freewest shareholders.

Freewest shareholders who have questions about the proposed transaction or who need assistance in voting their shares should contact Georgeson, Freewest's solicitation agent, toll free at 1-866-433-7579. Banks and brokers can call Georgeson collect at 1-212-806-6859. Freewest shareholders are advised to review the management proxy circular in its entirety before voting. The circular is available from Georgeson and at www.sedar.com.

Permission to refer to the reports prepared respectively by Institutional Shareholders Services Canada Corp. and Glass Lewis & Co. was neither sought nor obtained by Freewest.

About Freewest

About Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

Over recent years, Cliffs has been executing a strategy designed to achieve scale in the mining industry and focused on serving the world's largest and fastest growing steel markets.

Georgeson is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with the proposed Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

Georgeson
100 University Avenue
11th Floor, South Tower
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2Y1

North American Toll Free Number: 1-866-433-7579
Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

[Press Release] Freewest Obtains Interim Order for Plan of Arrangement With Cliffs Natural ....

18 Dec 2009 15:52:00 GMT

Freewest Obtains Interim Order for Plan of Arrangement With Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

- Special meeting of Freewest shareholders to be held on January 25, 2010

- Freewest and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. proceeding with Plan of Arrangement

MONTREAL, QUEBEC-(Dec. 18, 2009) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) is pleased to announce that it obtained today an interim order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) with respect to Freewest's previously-announced Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE:CLF)(PARIS:CLF). The Plan of Arrangement provides that Freewest shareholders will receive, for each Freewest share, a fixed amount of $1.00 in Cliffs shares. The interim order, among other things, authorizes Freewest to call and hold a special meeting of Freewest shareholders to consider the Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs. In accordance with the interim order, the special meeting of shareholders will be held in Montreal on January 25, 2010, with a record date at the close of business on December 22, 2009.

In connection with the special meeting, Freewest expects to mail a detailed management proxy circular to Freewest shareholders shortly after the December 22 record date. The circular will include the unanimous recommendation of Freewest's Board that shareholders vote for the Arrangement with Cliffs, as well as a fairness opinion of CIBC World Markets Inc., Freewest's financial advisor.

Freewest changed the record date and meeting date for the special meeting from the previously-announced dates in order to extend the right to vote at the meeting to those who purchased Freewest shares following the announcement by Freewest on December 10 of the final purchase price of $1.00 per share.

About Freewest

Georgeson is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with the proposed Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

Georgeson

100 University Avenue

11th Floor, South Tower

Toronto, Ontario

M5J 2Y1

North American Toll Free Number: 1-866- 433-7579

Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

For more information, please contact

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
(514) 878-4427 (FAX)
Email: info@freewest.com
Website: www.freewest.com

AGORACOM Investor Relations
FWR@Agoracom.com
http://agoracom.com/ir/freewest

[Press Release] Freewest Comments on Results of Noront Offer

14 Dec 2009 13:30:00 GMT

- Only 4.5% of Freewest shares tendered to unsolicited Noront offer

- Results confirm strong support for Freewest

- Freewest and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. proceeding with Plan of Arrangement

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Dec. 14, 2009) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) is pleased to note that only 11,755,018 Freewest shares were tendered to the unsolicited offer by Noront Resources Ltd. launched on October 13, 2009 for all of Freewest's shares, according to a press release issued today by Noront. The tendered shares represent only 4.5% of Freewest's shares on a fully-diluted basis. There are 239,601,336 Freewest shares currently issued and outstanding. Noront's offer expired at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 11, 2009.

Freewest will proceed with its previously-announced Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE:CLF)(PARIS:CLF), which provides Freewest shareholders, for each Freewest share, with a fixed amount of $1.00 in Cliffs shares. Freewest expects that a special meeting of shareholders will be held in January 2010, and that a detailed management proxy circular describing the Arrangement with Cliffs will be sent to Freewest shareholders shortly.

"We are gratified by the strong support from our shareholders", said Mackenzie I. Watson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freewest. "Freewest's Board of Directors recommended unanimously that Freewest shareholders reject the offer from Noront, and the vast majority of our shareholders shared that view. Noront's unsolicited offer is now behind us, and we look forward to completing our transaction with Cliffs in January 2010."

About Freewest

Freewest is a mineral exploration company actively exploring for gold, base-metals and chromite within eastern Canada. Corporate information can be accessed on the Internet at www.freewest.com. Freewest's shares are listed on Tier 1 of the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol FWR.

Georgeson is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with the proposed Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

Georgeson
100 University Avenue
11th Floor, South Tower
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2Y1
North American Toll Free Number: 1-866- 433-7579
Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

For more information, please contact

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
514-878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
514-878-4427 (FAX)
info@freewest.com
www.freewest.com

[Press Release] Freewest Urges Shareholders Not to Tender to Noront Offer

11 Dec 2009 12:00:00 GMT

- Superior offer from Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. guarantees $1.00 for every Freewest share, a 217% premium to Freewest's closing price on October 2, 2009, immediately prior to the announcement of Noront's unsolicited offer

- Value of Noront offer uncertain, comprised in part of out-of-the-money warrants of questionable value

- Noront offer cannot guarantee merger of Noront with Freewest

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Dec. 11, 2009) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) urges shareholders not to tender their shares to the unsolicited offer by Noront Resources Ltd. for all of the common shares of Freewest. Noront's offer expires on Friday, December 11, 2009.

Since Noront's offer was first announced on October 5, Freewest shareholders have been subjected to numerous press releases and other documents from Noront. Many of these contain false or misleading information about Freewest and about Noront's offer. Here, in plain language, is why Freewest shareholders should reject Noront's offer and not tender their shares.

- Freewest has signed an agreement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE:CLF)(PARIS:CLF) which provides Freewest shareholders, for each Freewest share, with a fixed amount of $1.00 in Cliffs shares. This is vastly superior to Noront's offer.

- Even if Noront acquires a block of Freewest shares pursuant to its offer and tries to stop the Plan of Arrangement between Freewest and Cliffs, Freewest shareholders are certain of being able to receive $1.00 per share from Cliffs. If Noront acquires more than 12.5% of Freewest's shares, Cliffs has committed to convert from its Plan of Arrangement with Freewest to a $1.00 per share take-over bid, with no minimum tender condition. This ensures that Freewest shareholders can reject the Noront offer and still be guaranteed that they will be able to sell to Cliffs for $1.00 per share.

- Freewest believes that there is little support among Freewest shareholders for Noront's offer. Cliffs has signed support agreements with Freewest shareholders who hold in the aggregate more than 10% of Freewest's shares. Freewest's Board and management unanimously support the transaction with Cliffs. Freewest's solicitation agent has contacted more than 1,000 Freewest shareholders, and the vast majority do not plan to tender their shares to Noront. Freewest is gratified by this support from its shareholders.

- Noront claims that, for each Freewest share, the warrants it is offering have an implied value of $0.22. Freewest and its financial advisors, and by all evidence, the marketplace, consider this figure to be grossly exaggerated.

- If Freewest shareholders are considering tendering their Freewest shares with the expectation that Freewest and Noront will be merged or combined, the waiver by Noront of the 66 2/3% condition of its offer means that this will not necessarily be the case. If you tender your Freewest shares to the Noront offer, Noront must buy your shares, and will pay you by issuing Noront shares from treasury. However, if Noront acquires only a block of Freewest shares, but less than 66 2/3%, Noront will not have sufficient Freewest shares to guarantee the merger or combination of the two corporations. In such circumstances, Noront will be nothing more and nothing less than a Freewest shareholder and, in all likelihood, a minority shareholder.

- Noront, a junior exploration company, does not have the financial capacity to develop the Ring of Fire, which will require substantial capital expenditures and infrastructure.

- Given the large number of shares that Noront proposes to issue to Freewest shareholders, there will be significant dilution within Noront and it may be difficult for Freewest shareholders to dispose of Noront shares. This dilution will become massive if Noront ever attempts to finance the development of the Ring of Fire through share issuances.

- Noront's claims cannot be trusted. The latest example is Noront's press release issued on Wednesday, December 9 at 7 p.m., announcing an estimated mine life and revenue projections for its Blackbird chromite deposit. By 10:23 a.m. the next day, Noront's stock was halted by the regulatory authorities. At 12:13 p.m., Noront was forced to retract its press release. Similarly, Noront issued two press releases on November 19, 2009 relating to the Eagle's Nest deposit, the second "clarifying" the first. It is no coincidence that these irresponsible press releases coincide with Noront's hostile share-for-share bid for Freewest.

- Cliffs is a stable and profitable company, with significant international assets and operations, and the financial capacity and expertise to develop Freewest's McFaulds chromite property. Any capital gains realized by individual Freewest shareholders on the transaction with Cliffs will generally be payable only in April 2011. If Freewest shareholders prefer to sell their Cliffs shares, they can do so easily on the NYSE.

- When Noront started its hostile offer, Freewest's shares were trading at $0.30. Freewest shareholders will now receive $1.00 per share from Cliffs. It's hard to beat a 217% premium.

For all these reasons, the Board of Directors of Freewest unanimously recommends that Freewest shareholders REJECT the Noront offer and NOT TENDER their shares, and VOTE FOR the Arrangement with Cliffs at the special meeting to be held on January 15, 2010. Freewest's Board and management again express their appreciation for the support expressed by so many Freewest shareholders.

For Investor Questions, Including How to Withdraw Shares from the Noront Offer

Shareholders who have questions or who may have already tendered their shares to the Noront offer and wish to withdraw them, may do so by contacting Georgeson at the toll free number set out below.

About Freewest

Georgeson is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with the proposed Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

Georgeson

100 University Avenue

11th Floor, South Tower

Toronto, Ontario

M5J 2Y1

North American Toll Free Number: 1-866-433-7579

Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. ("Freewest"). Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Freewest will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to whether a proposed plan of arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. will be completed. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Freewest's management at the time the information is released and Freewest does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
514-878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
Fax: 514-878-4427
info@freewest.com
www.freewest.com

[Press Release] Freewest Demands Immediate Retraction of Defamatory Press Release by Noront

10 Dec 2009 18:38:00 GMT

- Statement by Noront that Freewest shareholders have been "abandoned" by Freewest Board is completely unfounded

MONTREAL, QUEBEC-(Dec. 10, 2009) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) announces that its Board of Directors has sent a demand letter to Noront Resources Ltd. and to each of Noront's directors, demanding the immediate retraction of defamatory statements contained in a press release issued by Noront on December 4, 2009 in connection with Noront's hostile take-over bid for Freewest.

In its press release, Noront falsely stated, among other things, that "Freewest's shareholders have been abandoned by their Board and Management" and that "Freewest management does not fully understand /. their duty to their shareholders". These statements are false and unfair, and attack the honesty and integrity of Freewest's directors and management.

As Noront well knows, the Board of Directors of Freewest has negotiated a transaction with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. under which Freewest shareholders will receive shares of Cliffs which now have a fixed value of C$1.00 per Freewest share. This represents a premium of 217% when compared to the unaffected closing price of Freewest's shares on October 2, 2009, immediately prior to the announcement by Noront of its hostile take-over bid for Freewest. By that reasoning, had Freewest agreed to Noront's original offer with an implied price of $0.3975 per Freewest share, or Noront's revised "final" offer with an alleged implied price of $0.86 per Freewest share, which subsequently traded lower, it would have been an "abandonment" of Freewest's shareholders.

The press release contains numerous other statements that are entirely false and defamatory to Freewest's directors, including an unfounded statement that Freewest "instituted a timetable that frustrates competing Offers". In all instances, the Board of Directors of Freewest has acted in full conformity with its fiduciary duty to Freewest and its shareholders.

Freewest's Board of Directors reminds shareholders that the Board unanimously recommends that Freewest shareholders: (i) NOT tender their shares to the Noront offer; and (ii) vote FOR the Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. at the special meeting of shareholders to be held in January 2010.

About Freewest

Georgeson Inc. is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with a proposed Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

Georgeson

100 University Avenue

11th Floor, South Tower

Toronto, Ontario

M5J 2Y1

North American Toll Free Number: 1-866- 433-7579

Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. ("Freewest"). Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Freewest will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to whether a proposed plan of arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. will be completed. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Freewest's management at the time the information is released and Freewest does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
Fax: (514) 878-4427
info@freewest.com
www.freewest.com

AGORACOM Investor Relations
FWR@Agoracom.com
http://agoracom.com/ir/freewest

[Press Release] Freewest Announces Increase in Purchase Price to C$1.00 Per Share for .....

10 Dec 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Freewest Announces Increase in Purchase Price to C$1.00 Per Share for Acquisition by Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

- Each Freewest shareholder to receive C$1.00 in shares of Cliffs, placing a value on Freewest of approximately C$240 million

- Amended transaction represents a 217% premium to Freewest's closing price on October 2, 2009, immediately prior to the announcement of the unsolicited offer by Noront Resources Ltd., and a 13.6% premium to Freewest's closing price on December 9, 2009

- In order to provide certainty to Freewest's shareholders, Cliffs will convert to a C$1.00 per share take-over bid for Freewest if Noront acquires more than 12.5% of Freewest shares

- Freewest Board of Directors unanimously supports amended Cliffs transaction

MONTREAL, QUEBEC-(Dec. 10, 2009) - The Board of Directors of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) is pleased to announce that Freewest and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE:CLF)(PARIS:CLF) have further amended their previously-announced Arrangement Agreement. Under the amended Arrangement Agreement, Cliffs will acquire all of the shares of Freewest in a Board-supported transaction at a price of C$1.00 per Freewest share, placing a value on Freewest of approximately C$240 million. Under the terms of the amended Arrangement Agreement, Freewest shareholders will receive a fraction of a Cliffs share representing a fixed value of C$1.00 for each Freewest share. All of the other terms of the Arrangement Agreement remain unchanged.

"We are very pleased to announce this amended agreement with Cliffs", said Mackenzie I. Watson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freewest. "The purchase price has increased from an estimated C$0.70 per share, the value offered by Cliffs under the original terms of the Arrangement Agreement, to a firm C$1.00 per share. We believe this transaction is clearly superior to the amended offer made by Noront, comprised of uncertain value in the form of Noront shares and warrants. As I stated before, the Cliffs transaction will provide Freewest shareholders with highly-liquid shares in a company with a market capitalization in excess of US$6 billion."

In addition, Cliffs has notified Freewest that should Noront become the registered owner of more than 12.5% of the currently issued and outstanding common shares of Freewest as a result of its unsolicited take-over bid, Cliffs will make a take-over bid for all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Freewest for cash consideration of C$1.00 per share. Under the take-over bid, if made, Cliffs would acquire any and all Freewest shares tendered, with no minimum tender condition. If Noront acquires less than 12.5% of Freewest's shares, Cliffs will proceed with the Arrangement at the new price of C$1.00 per share.

Cliffs has advised Freewest that it is taking this approach so as to guarantee Freewest shareholders that they can reject Noront's inferior take-over bid and receive C$1.00 per share in fixed and certain consideration from Cliffs.

Both the amended Arrangement with Cliffs and, if made, the take-over bid by Cliffs, have the unanimous support of a Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Freewest, and of the entire Board.

Freewest's Board of Directors unanimously recommends that Freewest shareholders approve the Arrangement with Cliffs, as amended, at a special meeting of shareholders to be held on January 15, 2010. The Board of Directors recommends that Freewest shareholders REJECT the hostile take-over bid made by Noront on October 13, 2009, as amended on December 1, 2009, and NOT tender their shares to the Noront offer, which will expire on December 11, 2009.

About Freewest

About Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

Over recent years, Cliffs has been executing a strategy designed to achieve scale in the mining industry and focused on serving the world's largest and fastest growing steel markets.

Georgeson Inc. is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with this transaction. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

Georgeson

100 University Avenue

11th Floor, South Tower

Toronto, Ontario

M5J 2Y1

North American Toll Free Number: 1-866- 433-7579

Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. More particularly, this news release contains forward-looking information concerning a Plan of Arrangement involving Freewest Resources Canada Inc. and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Freewest. Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Freewest will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to whether the plan of arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. will be completed. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Freewest's management at the time the information is released and Freewest does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

For more information, please contact

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
(514) 878-4427 (FAX)
Email: info@freewest.com
Website: www.freewest.com

[Press Release] Freewest Board Recommends Rejection of Noront's "Final" Offer

08 Dec 2009 11:01:00 GMT

- Board unanimously recommends that Freewest shareholders reject revised "final" offer from Noront

- Freewest Board files formal Notice of Change to Directors' Circular

MONTREAL, QUEBEC-(Dec. 8, 2009) - The Board of Directors of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) has unanimously recommended that Freewest shareholders reject the revised "final" offer by Noront Resources Ltd. for all of the common shares of Freewest and not tender their shares to the Noront offer. The Board's recommendation is contained in a Notice of Change to Directors' Circular filed on SEDAR.

The Notice of Change contains the Board's recommendation and a detailed discussion of its reasons for recommending that Freewest shareholders reject the revised "final" offer from Noront. Freewest shareholders are urged to read the Notice of Change in its entirety.

In making its recommendation, the Board considered many factors, including the recommendation of a Special Committee comprised of Freewest's independent directors and advice from CIBC World Markets Inc., Freewest's financial advisor.

"We have entered into an arrangement agreement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. which provides Freewest shareholders, for each Freewest share, with a fixed amount of $0.90 in Cliffs shares. The Board believes that this guaranteed consideration from Cliffs is vastly superior to the offer from Noront" said Mackenzie I. Watson, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Freewest. "We recommend that shareholders vote for the arrangement with Cliffs and reject the inferior Noront offer."

Under the revised Noront offer, Noront is offering, for each Freewest share, 0.2857 of a Noront common share and 0.1429 of a Noront common share purchase warrant, exercisable for five years at an exercise price of $4.00.

The Board of Directors unanimously concluded that the consideration provided by revised Noront offer is inadequate, from a financial point of view, to Freewest shareholders. The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that Freewest shareholders REJECT the revised offer from Noront and NOT TENDER their common shares to the Noront offer.

As announced by Freewest on December 3, 2009, Freewest and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. have entered into an amendment to their Arrangement Agreement, under which Freewest shareholders will receive, for each Freewest share, a fixed amount of $0.90 in Cliffs shares. The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that Freewest shareholders APPROVE the Arrangement with Cliffs at a special meeting of Freewest shareholders to be held on January 15, 2010.

Reasons for the Recommendation

The Freewest Board of Directors believes that the revised Noront offer fails to provide full value for Freewest's assets and shares and is an attempt by Noront to acquire Freewest without offering adequate consideration to Freewest shareholders. The Board of Directors cited a number of reasons for its recommendation, including that:

• The proposed arrangement with Cliffs will provide a fixed value of $0.90 per Freewest share.

• The value of the consideration offered under the revised Noront offer is uncertain and primarily dependent on the value of Noront's shares, which are subject to significant fluctuations.

• The value of the consideration offered under the revised Noront offer is dependent in part on the value of the Noront warrants, which is uncertain.

• The implied value of $0.86 per Freewest share of the revised Noront offer is not substantiated.

• It may be difficult for Freewest shareholders to dispose of Noront shares and Noront warrants.

• The revised Noront offer is coercive.

• The Board of Directors continues to believe that the Noront offer fails to adequately compensate Freewest shareholders for the strategic value of Freewest's assets.

• The Board of Directors continues to believe that the timing of the Noront offer is opportunistic and disadvantageous to Freewest shareholders.

• Noront does not have a strategy focused on chromite.

Availability of the Notice of Change to Directors' Circular

Shareholders are urged to read the Notice of Change in its entirety. The document is available free of charge on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on Freewest's website at www.freewest.com. Copies of the Notice of Change are being mailed to all Freewest shareholders.

For Investor Questions, Including How to Withdraw Shares from the Noront Offer

Shareholders who have questions or who may have already tendered their shares to the Noront offer and wish to withdraw them, may do so by contacting Georgeson at the toll free number set out below.

About Freewest

Georgeson Inc. is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with a proposed Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

Georgeson

100 University Avenue

11th Floor, South Tower

Toronto, Ontario

M5J 2Y1

North American Toll Free Number: 1-866-433-7579

Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward- looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. ("Freewest"). Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Freewest will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to whether a proposed plan of arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. will be completed. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Freewest's management at the time the information is released and Freewest does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

For more information, please contact

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
Fax: (514) 878-4427
Email: info@freewest.com
Website: www.freewest.com

[Press Release] Freewest and Cliffs to Hold Investor Call to Address False and Misleading...

07 Dec 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Freewest Resources Canada Inc. and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. to Hold Investor Call to Address False and Misleading Statements Made by Noront Resources Ltd.

CLEVELAND, OHIO and MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Dec. 7, 2009) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE:CLF)(PARIS:CLF) will hold a conference call for shareholders of Freewest on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009 at 9 a.m. ET to discuss Cliffs' offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Freewest. The companies also will address the false and misleading statements being made by Noront Resources Ltd. in support of its take-over bid for Freewest.

The call will be hosted by Mac Watson, president and chief executive officer of Freewest, and Joseph Carrabba, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Cliffs.

To participate in the call, dial (877) 485-3104 (Outside North America: 201-689-8579) 10 minutes before the call begins, or 8:50 a.m. ET. The conference ID number is 339308.

The call will be broadcast live on Freewest's and Cliffs' websites at http://www.freewest.com/ and http://www.cliffsnaturalresources.com

If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will be recorded and archived at both companies' websites and available for replay shortly after the call concludes.

To be added to Cliffs Natural Resources' e-mail distribution list, please click on the link below: http://www.cpg-llc.com/clearsite/clf/emailoptin.html

About Freewest Resources Canada Inc.

About Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

The North American business unit is comprised of six iron ore mines owned or managed in Michigan, Minnesota and Eastern Canada, and two coking coal mining complexes located in West Virginia and Alabama. The Asia Pacific business unit is comprised of two iron ore mining complexes in Western Australia and a 45% economic interest in a coking and thermal coal mine in Queensland, Australia. The South American business unit includes a 30% interest in the Amapá Project, an iron ore project in the state of Amapá in Brazil.

Over recent years, Cliffs has been executing a strategy designed to achieve scale in the mining industry and focused on serving the world's largest and fastest growing steel markets.

News releases and other information on the Company are available on the Internet at: http://www.cliffsnaturalresources.com or www.cliffsnaturalresources.com/Investors/Pages/default.aspx?b=1041&1=1

For further information about the transaction:

Georgeson Inc. is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with this transaction.

Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

100 University Avenue -- 11th Floor, South Tower -- Toronto, Ontario -- M5J 2Y1

North American Toll Free Number: 1-866- 433-7579 -- Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

For more information, please contact

INVESTOR AND FINANCIAL MEDIA CONTACTS:

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

Steve Baisden

Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

(216) 694-5280

steve.baisden@cliffsnr.com

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

Christine Dresch

Manager - Corporate Communications

(216) 694-4052

christine.dresch@cliffsnr.com

[Press Release] Freewest Resources Canada Inc., Spider Resources Inc. and KWG Resources Inc....

07 Dec 2009 21:19:00 GMT

Freewest Resources Canada Inc., Spider Resources Inc. and KWG Resources Inc. Provide Assay Results for the Big Daddy Chromite Prospect

- Hole FW-09-29 encounters 75.2 metres of chromite mineralization averaging 43.41% Cr2O3

- FW-09-29 intersected a total of 108.5m of massive chromite in 4 separate intervals

- Six of the seven holes reported herein encounter chromite mineralization in excess of 35% Cr2O3 over significant widths.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC-(Dec. 7, 2009) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR), Spider Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE:SPQ) and KWG Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE:KWG) are pleased to provide assay results for recently completed drilling at the Big Daddy Chromite property located in the James Bay Lowlands of northern Ontario. The Big Daddy property is currently a joint-venture involving Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (50%), Spider Resources Inc. (25%) and KWG Resources Inc. (25%).

Assay Results for Recent Drilling:

Analytical results have recently been received for the first 7 holes of 22 holes being assayed. Visual observations for these seven holes were previously reported on October 14th 2009.

Holes FW-09-24 and 25 are located on Section 14+00E. Both encountered significant chromite mineralization.

Holes FW-09-26 and 27 are located on Section 16+00E. Hole 26 failed to intersect chromite mineralization. The targeted mineralization intended to be intersected by this hole is interpreted to have been displaced by faulting, whereas Hole 27, which undercut Hole 26, intersected two zones of massive chromite mineralization, followed by a short intercept of Platinum and Palladium averaging 1.66 g/t (Pt + Pd).

Holes 28 and 29, situated on Section 18+00E, both intersected significant widths of chromite mineralization, in particular hole 29 which intersected 4 zones of massive chromite mineralization, including a 75.2 metres interval averaging 43.4% Cr2O3. This intersection was followed by 1.8 metres of Platinum and Palladium averaging 2.18 g/t (Pt+Pd).

Hole FW-09-30, drilled on Section 20+00E, entered massive chromite mineralization immediately after the overburden.

The following table provides assay highlights for the first seven holes in the recent program. Only those intersections that averaged greater than 35% Cr2O3 over significant widths are included in the highlight table. The chromite mineralization surrounding the highlighted massive chromite mineralization is typically of varying tenor, and consists of heavily disseminated plus / minus intercalated thin (centimeter scale) to thick (meter scale) beds of massive chromite mineralization. The amount of this mineralization that eventually may be included in the reserves will not be determined until a feasibility study is undertaken. For instance, in Hole 29, variable amounts of chromite mineralization were intersected between 67.4 and 323.8 metres (256.4 metres), however only 108.5 metres averaged in excess of 35% Cr2O3.

Assays for the remaining fifteen holes from the recent program will be released when final results are available.

True widths of the chromite mineralization have yet to be determined, as this is typically done once the geometry (attitude, dip and strike) of the entire mineralized body is determined. The systematic drill pattern was designed to delineate the Big Daddy Chromite Prospect along its entire strike length. The chromite mineralized intersections are quite variable in apparent width due to the geological nature of the intrusion.

Drill Program:

The current exploration program started on September 23, 2009, and included twenty two drill holes totaling 6,777 metres. The program was curtailed on November 22 due to abnormal weather conditions in the project area that were hampering cost-effective progress, and causing additional safety and other logistical concerns, drilling is anticipated to resume in early January. This pause in drilling is being utilized to review drill and analytical results, and also to adjust the drilling plan. More holes may be added, where warranted, in certain areas of The Big Daddy Chromite Prospect based upon this internal mid program review. Six holes remain to be drilled from the original planned budget, and these will be strategically planned to infill and expand Big Daddy. The Big Daddy Chromite prospect (a magmatic chromium deposit type) has been expanded along its strike and depth. Since the discovery of chromite on the property in March, 2006 (Hole FW-06-03), chromite mineralization has been established between section 900 metres East to and including section 2100 metres East, for an inferred strike length of 1300 metres, and to a depth of 325 metres. Big Daddy remains open along strike in both directions and to depth. Some of the planned expansion drilling will continue to explore the chromite mineralization towards the northeast, where faults are found to have apparently offset Big Daddy from the Probe "Creek Zone" and Freewest's "Black Thor".

As stated in the last release (Nov. 16, 2009), one drill hole tested a coincident magnetic and electromagnetic anomaly, that straddled the border between the Big Daddy property with four claims held by Freewest due north of the Big Daddy Property. This hole encountered 10 metres of sulphide mineralization consisting of thin wispy bands of up to 20% pyrite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite between 104.0 metres and 114.0 metres down hole. Samples for this entire sulphide section have been selected for assay and will be reported upon once results are received.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control Protocol:

Stringent QA / QC procedures are followed. Samples are shipped to the laboratory in batches of 35 samples. Each sample batch includes 2 standards, 1 blank, and 1 duplicate that are inserted on site, plus a duplicate coarse reject and 1 duplicate pulp that are prepared at the laboratory and inserted. In addition, Actlabs also employs a rigorous in-house QA/QC regime which includes standards, blanks and duplicates.

Once the final assays are received from Actlabs and prior to any data being released to the public, a review of all QA/QC data is conducted by an independent qualified person to ensure that the data released are within predetermined norms.

Analytical Methodology:

All samples are assayed / analysed by Activation Labs (Actlabs) at either their main laboratory in Ancaster, Ontario or at their Thunder Bay, Ontario facility. Both laboratories are ISO accredited. All samples are

- Analyzed for 35 trace and major elements including Cu & Ni by 4 acid digestion with an ICP finish (Actlabs code 1F2). Any samples for which the result(s) are over limit for either Cu or Ni are then assayed for these elements by ICP-OES.

- Assayed for Au, Pd & Pt by fire assay with an ICP/OES finish (Actlabs code 1C-OES).

- Assayed for 13 major element oxides, including Cr2O3 by fusion-XRF (Actlabs code 4C).

For additional information on assay methodology visit the Actlabs website at http://www.actlabsint.com

Qualified Persons:

Spider's Vice President of Exploration Jim Burns P.Eng., along with Neil Novak P.Geo., President of Spider, has prepared and reviewed this press release, both of which are Qualified Persons under National Instrument 43-101

About Freewest

Freewest is a mineral exploration company actively exploring for gold, base-metals and chromite within eastern Canada. Corporate information can be accessed on the Internet at www.freewest.com . Freewest's shares are listed on Tier 1 of the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol FWR.

Georgeson Inc. is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with a proposed Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

Georgeson
100 University Avenue
11th Floor, South Tower
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2Y1
North American Toll Free Number: 1-866- 433-7579
Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. ("Freewest"). Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Freewest will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to whether a proposed plan of arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. will be completed. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Freewest's management at the time the information is released and Freewest does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information, please contact

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
(514) 878-4427 (FAX)
info@freewest.com
www.freewest.com

AGORACOM Investor Relations
FWR@Agoracom.com
http://agoracom.com/ir/freewest

[Press Release] Freewest Questions Real Value Of Noront's "Final" Offer

04 Dec 2009 23:08:00 GMT

- Noront claim of $0.86 "implied value" per Freewest share grossly exaggerated

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--- Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) wishes to comment on the revised "final" offer by Noront Resources Ltd. for all of the common shares of Freewest. Freewest will file a Notice of Change to its Directors' Circular shortly with Freewest's formal response to the revised Noront offer. The revised offer, first announced by Noront in a press release on November 30, 2009, is set out in Noront's formal Notice of Variation and Extension dated December 1, 2009, as filed on SEDAR.

Noront's press release emphasizes, in its title and elsewhere, that the revised Noront offer has an "implied value" of $0.86 per Freewest share. Freewest believes that this figure of $0.86 per share is grossly exaggerated. It is based on the value of the fractional Noront share ($0.64, based on Noront's closing price of $2.25 on Friday, November 27) offered for each Freewest share, and on the notional value of the fractional Noront warrant (allegedly $0.22) offered for each Freewest share. Freewest doubts that the fractional Noront warrant offered for each Freewest share has a value of $0.22. Value attributed to warrants is extremely variable and is necessarily based upon a series of assumptions, none of which were explained by Noront. In short, the real value of the Noront warrants offered could be anything from zero to $0.22 per share, adding greatly to the level of uncertainty of Noront's "final" offer.

Further, Noront did not include this alleged value of $0.86 per share in its formal Notice of Variation dated December 1, 2009, filed on SEDAR one day after Noront's press release. In other words, Noront made a claim in its press release as to a value proposition to Freewest shareholders, but failed to make the same claim in its formal, Board-certified document.

Noront's November 30 press release also states that Noront's revised offer is "final and will expire on December 11 and will not be increased". These statements do not appear anywhere in Noront's formal Notice of Variation filed one day later. Freewest believes that these are material statements. They should have been included and certified in the formal Notice of Variation.

Freewest is concerned with these material discrepancies, one day apart, between Noront's press release and its formal document filed on SEDAR. Freewest believes that any statement as to value made in a press release by Noront in the context of a take-over bid should be substantiated and should have been made in the formal Notice of Variation. If not, the statement as to value should be retracted by Noront. Freewest also believes that the statements made by Noront in the press release as to the revised offer being "final" and that it "will not be increased" should have been included in the formal, Board-certified Notice of Variation.

As a result of these material discrepancies, Freewest shareholders don't know whether to believe Noront's press release, Noront's Notice of Variation, or neither.

Freewest's Board of Directors unanimously recommends that Freewest shareholders: (i) NOT tender their shares to the Noront offer; and (ii) vote FOR the Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. at the special meeting of shareholders to be held in January 2010.

About Freewest

Freewest is a mineral exploration company actively exploring for gold, base-metals and chromite within eastern Canada. Corporate information can be accessed on the Internet atwww.freewest.com. Freewest's shares are listed on Tier 1 of the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol FWR.

Georgeson Inc. is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with a proposed Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:




                         Georgeson Inc.
                     100 University Avenue
                    11th Floor, South Tower
                        Toronto, Ontario
                            M5J 2Y1


         North American Toll Free Number: 1-866- 433-7579
         Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. ("Freewest"). Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Freewest will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to whether a proposed plan of arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. will be completed. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Freewest's management at the time the information is released and Freewest does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

For more information, please contact

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
(514) 878-4427 (FAX)
info@freewest.com
www.freewest.com

[Media] Proposed Acquisition of Freewest Resources Canada by Cliffs Natural Resources

04 Dec 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Dear Freewest Shareholders,

You can access the conference call and presentation by the links provided to you below.

Conference Call

Presentation

Regards,
AGORACOM

[Press Release] Freewest Will Hold a Conference Call to Discuss the Increased Offer From Cliffs

03 Dec 2009 18:44:00 GMT

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Dec. 3, 2009) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) will hold a conference call to discuss the increased offer and proposed plan of arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE:CLF)(PARIS:CLF).

The conference call will be held at 09:00 EST, on Friday, December 4, 2009. Interested parties may also access the conference call by webcast at: http://www.newswire.ca/en/webcast/viewEvent.cgi?eventID=2910600

A copy of the investor presentation that will be discussed during the call will also be available on Freewest's website at www.freewest.com

The telephone numbers to access the conference call are 1-888-231-8191 (toll-free North America) or 514-807-9895.

OPEN TO:Analysts, investors and all interested parties

DATE: December 4, 2009

TIME:09:00 Eastern Time

About Freewest

About Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

Over recent years, Cliffs has been executing a strategy designed to achieve scale in the mining industry and focused on serving the world's largest and fastest growing steel markets.

Georgeson Inc. is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with this transaction. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

100 University Avenue

11th Floor, South Tower

Toronto, Ontario

M5J 2Y1

North American Toll Free Number: 1-866- 433-7579

Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

For more information, please contact

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
(514) 878-4427 (FAX)
info@freewest.com
www.freewest.com

[Press Release] Freewest Announces Increase in Purchase Price to $0.90 Per Share for Acquisition

03 Dec 2009 13:49:00 GMT

Freewest Announces Increase in Purchase Price to $0.90 Per Share for Acquisition by Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

- Cliffs to acquire 100% of outstanding Freewest shares

- Each Freewest shareholder to receive C$0.90 in shares of Cliffs, placing a value on Freewest of approximately C$211 million

- Amended transaction represents a 185.7% premium to Freewest's closing price on October 2, 2009, immediately prior to the announcement of the unsolicited offer by Noront Resources Ltd., and a 5.9% premium to Freewest's closing price on December 2, 2009

- Freewest Board of Directors unanimously supports amended Cliffs transaction

MONTREAL, QUEBEC-(Dec. 3, 2009) - The Board of Directors of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) is pleased to announce that Freewest and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE:CLF)(PARIS:CLF) have amended their previously-announced Arrangement Agreement. Under the amended Arrangement Agreement, Cliffs will acquire all of the shares of Freewest in a Board-supported transaction at a price of C$0.90 per Freewest share, placing a value on Freewest of approximately C$211 million. Under the terms of the amended Arrangement Agreement, Freewest shareholders will receive a fraction of a Cliffs share representing a fixed value of C$0.90 for each Freewest share.

"We are very pleased to announce this amended agreement with Cliffs", said Mackenzie I. Watson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freewest. "The purchase price has increased from an estimated C$0.70 per share, the value offered by Cliffs under the original terms of the Arrangement Agreement, to a firm C$0.90 per share, now comprised exclusively of Cliffs shares. We believe this transaction is clearly superior to the amended offer made by Noront Resources, comprised of uncertain value in the form of Noront shares and warrants. As I stated before, the Cliffs transaction will provide Freewest shareholders with highly-liquid shares in a company with a market capitalization in excess of US$6 billion."

The transaction, as amended, will be effected by way of Plan of Arrangement. Freewest expects to mail a management proxy circular to shareholders shortly for a special meeting of shareholders to be held on January 15, 2010. It is expected that the transaction will be completed soon after the special shareholders' meeting.

The amended transaction with Cliffs has the unanimous support of a Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Freewest, and of the entire Board. The decision of the Board was based in part on a fairness opinion provided by CIBC World Markets Inc., the Board's financial advisor. A copy of the fairness opinion will be included in Freewest's management proxy circular.

The details of the amended agreement with Cliffs are as follows:

·Freewest shareholders will receive C$0.90 per share in fixed value of Cliffs shares, with the precise number of Cliffs shares to be based on their market value on the NYSE shortly before the effective date of the transaction, expected to be in January 2010

·all holders of vested "in-the-money" Freewest warrants and stock options will receive a cash payment equal to the difference between C$0.90 and the exercise price of the warrants or stock options

·all of Freewest's directors and officers have entered into voting support agreements with Cliffs under which they have agreed to vote all of their shares in favour of the transaction

"I want to emphasize that the transaction with Cliffs guarantees value of C$0.90 per share on closing", added Mr. Watson. "Cliffs' proposal provides not only a higher value, it is also far less volatile than Noront's hostile bid, which offers a fixed ratio of Noront shares and warrants for each Freewest share as consideration, and therefore a fluctuating value."

Freewest's Board of Directors unanimously recommends that Freewest shareholders approve the transaction with Cliffs, as amended, at the forthcoming special meeting of shareholders. The Board of Directors recommends that Freewest shareholders REJECT the hostile take-over bid made by Noront on October 13, 2009, as amended on December 1, 2009, and NOT tender their shares to the Noront offer, which will expire on December 11, 2009. The Board of Directors maintains its view that the Noront offer is financially inadequate and opportunistic, and fails to recognize the strategic value of Freewest's assets and its future value-creation.

As previously announced, the Arrangement Agreement with Cliffs, as amended, contains, among other things, a non-solicitation covenant by Freewest, subject to customary provisions that entitle Freewest to consider and accept a superior proposal; a right in favour of Cliffs to match any superior proposal; and the payment by Freewest to Cliffs of a termination payment equal to C$8.45 million if the transaction is not completed as a result of a superior proposal, and in certain other circumstances.

The transaction between Freewest and Cliffs, as amended, is subject to a number of conditions, including obtaining the approval of at least two-thirds of the Freewest shares voted at a special meeting of shareholders, and a simple majority of the Freewest shares voted at the special meeting, other than shares held by certain officers of Freewest. The transaction is also subject to court approval as a plan of arrangement and a number of other customary conditions.

Freewest also announces that it has completed the issuance to Cliffs of 7,375,000 common shares at a price of C$0.45 per share, following the exercise by Cliffs of all Freewest warrants held by it. Freewest received proceeds of C$3,318,750 upon the exercise of the warrants. As a result of the share issuance, to Freewest's knowledge, Cliffs indirectly holds 29,033,440 Freewest shares, representing approximately 12.4% of Freewest's 234,829,907 issued and outstanding shares.

About Freewest

Cliffs Natural Resources (NYSE:CLF)(PARIS:CLF) is an international mining and natural resources company. It is the largest producer of iron ore pellets in North America, a major supplier of direct-shipping lump and fines iron ore out of Australia and a significant producer of metallurgical coal. With core values of environmental and capital stewardship, Cliffs' colleagues across the globe endeavor to provide all stakeholders operating and financial transparency as embodied in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework. Cliffs is organized through three geographic business units:

The North American business unit is comprised of six iron ore mines owned or managed in Michigan, Minnesota and Eastern Canada, and two coking coal mining complexes located in West Virginia and Alabama. The Asia Pacific business unit is comprised of two iron ore mining complexes in Western Australia and a 45% economic interest in a coking and thermal coal mine in Queensland, Australia. The South American business unit includes a 30% interest in the Amapa Project, an iron ore project in the state of Amapa in Brazil.

Over recent years, Cliffs has been executing a strategy designed to achieve scale in the mining industry and focused on serving the world's largest and fastest growing steel markets.

Georgeson Inc. is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with this transaction. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

100 University Avenue
11th Floor, South Tower
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2Y1
North American Toll Free Number: 1-866-433-7579
Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. More particularly, this news release contains forward-looking information concerning a Plan of Arrangement involving Freewest Resources Canada Inc. and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Freewest. Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Freewest will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to whether the plan of arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. will be completed. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Freewest's management at the time the information is released and Freewest does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information, please contact

Freewest Resources Canada Inc
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
(514) 878-4427 (FAX)
info@freewest.com
www.freewest.com

AGORACOM Investor Relations
FWR@Agoracom.com
http://agoracom.com/ir/freewest

[Press Release] Freewest Announces Exercise of Warrants by Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

01 Dec 2009 23:43:00 GMT

- Freewest to issue 7,375,000 shares to Cliffs at a price of $0.45 per share, for proceeds to Freewest of $3,318,750

MONTREAL, QUÉBEC--(Dec. 1, 2009) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) announces that it has been notified by Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE:CLF)(PARIS:CLF) that Cliffs intends to exercise all of its 7,375,000 Freewest warrants at a price of $0.45 per share. Upon the exercise of the warrants, Freewest will receive proceeds of $3,318,750. Cliffs acquired the warrants in June 2009 as part of a $5.16 million private placement with Freewest.

The proceeds from the exercise of the warrants will be used by Freewest for working capital purposes and for continuing work on Freewest's 100%-owned McFaulds property.

Upon the exercise of the warrants, to Freewest's knowledge, Cliffs will indirectly hold 29,033,440 Freewest shares, representing approximately 12.65% of the 229,508,479 shares that will be issued and outstanding.

About Freewest

Georgeson Inc. is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with a proposed Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

100 University Avenue
11th Floor, South Tower
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2Y1
North American Toll Free Number: 1-866-433-7579
Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. ("Freewest"). Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Freewest will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to whether a proposed plan of arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. will be completed. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Freewest's management at the time the information is released and Freewest does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information, please contact

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
(514) 878-4427 (FAX)
info@freewest.com
www.freewest.com

AGORACOM Investor Relations
FWR@Agoracom.com
http://agoracom.com/ir/freewest

[Press Release] Freewest Completes $4.1 Million Private Placement to Cliffs Natural Resources

01 Dec 2009 17:07:00 GMT

- Freewest issues 6,908,440 shares to Cliffs at a price of $0.60 per share, for proceeds to Freewest of $4,145,064

MONTREAL, QUEBEC-(Dec. 1, 2009) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) announces that it has completed its previously-announced private placement to Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE:CLF)(PARIS:CLF) by issuing 6,908,440 common shares to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cliffs at a price of $0.60 per share, for proceeds to Freewest of $4,145,064.

The proceeds from the private placement will be used by Freewest for working capital purposes and for continuing work on Freewest's 100%-owned McFaulds property. As a result of the private placement, to Freewest's knowledge, Cliffs indirectly holds 21,658,440 Freewest shares, representing approximately 9.73% of the 222,033,479 shares that are issued and outstanding.

Under applicable securities legislation and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the foregoing shares are subject to a hold period expiring on March 31, 2010.

About Freewest

Freewest is a mineral exploration company actively exploring for gold, base-metals and chromite within eastern Canada. Corporate information can be accessed on the Internet at www.freewest.com. Freewest's shares are listed on Tier 1 of the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol FWR.
Georgeson Inc. is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with a proposed Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

Georgeson Inc.
100 University Avenue
11th Floor, South Tower
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2Y1
North American Toll Free Number: 1-866-433-7579
Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. ("Freewest"). Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Freewest will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to whether a proposed plan of arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. will be completed. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Freewest's management at the time the information is released and Freewest does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information, please contact

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
(514) 878-4427 (FAX)
info@freewest.com
www.freewest.com

AGORACOM Investor Relations
FWR@Agoracom.com
http://agoracom.com/ir/freewest

[Press Release] Freewest Comments on Revised "Final" Offer From Noront Resources Ltd.

30 Nov 2009 22:23:00 GMT

Freewest Board advises shareholders to take no action pending Board recommendation

MONTREAL, QUEBEC-(Nov. 30, 2009) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) wishes to comment on the revised "final" offer for all of Freewest's shares announced today by Noront Resources Ltd. The revised final offer consists of one common share of Noront for every 3.5 Freewest common shares and one Noront warrant for every seven Freewest shares. The warrants have an exercise price of $4.00 and may be exercised for five years. Noront has waived all of the conditions of its offer, including the condition that at least 66 2/3% of Freewest's outstanding shares be tendered to the offer.

Freewest advises its shareholders not to deposit any common shares of Freewest to the revised Noront offer and not to take any action concerning the revised offer until Freewest shareholders have received further communication from the Board of Directors of Freewest. Noront has extended its offer to December 11 and cannot take up and pay for any tendered shares until that time. Freewest shareholders gain no advantage by tendering shares prior to receiving the recommendation of Freewest's Board of Directors.

Noront is required to send a Notice of Variation to Freewest's shareholders regarding its revised final offer. Once Freewest's Board of Directors has received Noront's Notice of Variation, it will consider the revised final offer in consultation with its financial advisor, CIBC World Markets Inc., and legal advisors, in the context of Freewest's legal obligations under its previously-announced Arrangement Agreement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

If Freewest's Board of Directors determines that the revised Noront offer is a "Superior Proposal" as defined in the Cliffs Arrangement Agreement, Cliffs has the right, but not the obligation, to offer to amend the terms of the Arrangement Agreement within a period of five business days after Freewest has met certain conditions, including providing notice in writing to Cliffs that it has determined that the revised offer from Noront is a "Superior Proposal". Freewest's Board of Directors is obliged to review in good faith any such offer by Cliffs, in order to determine whether the revised Noront offer would continue to be a "Superior Proposal" when compared to the Cliffs Arrangement Agreement, as Cliffs has offered to amend it. If Freewest's Board of Directors determines that the revised Noront offer does not continue to be a "Superior Proposal", the Board of Directors will promptly reaffirm its recommendation that Freewest shareholders approve the Arrangement Agreement with Cliffs and will enter into an amended Arrangement Agreement with Cliffs, reflecting Cliffs' offer to amend the terms of the Arrangement. If Cliffs does not offer to amend the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, Freewest is permitted to terminate the Arrangement Agreement, subject to certain conditions, including the payment of a $6 million termination fee to Cliffs.

About Freewest

Freewest is a mineral exploration company actively exploring for gold, base-metals and chromite within eastern Canada. Corporate information can be accessed on the Internet at www.freewest.com. Freewest's shares are listed on Tier 1 of the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol FWR.

Georgeson Inc. is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with the previously-announced transaction with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

100 University Avenue
11th Floor, South Tower
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2Y1
North American Toll Free Number: 1-866-433-7579
Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. More particularly, this news release contains forward-looking information concerning a Plan of Arrangement involving Freewest Resources Canada Inc. and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Freewest. Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Freewest will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to whether the plan of arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. will be completed. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Freewest's management at the time the information is released and Freewest does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information, please contact

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
(514) 878-4427 (FAX)
info@freewest.com
www.freewest.com

AGORACOM Investor Relations
FWR@Agoracom.com
http://agoracom.com/ir/freewes

[Press Release] Freewest Obtains Regulatory Approval for $4.1 Million Private Placement to Cliff

25 Nov 2009 22:15:00 GMT

- Freewest to issue 6,908,440 shares to Cliffs at a price of $0.60 per share, for proceeds to Freewest of $4,145,064

- Private placement scheduled to close on November 30

MONTREAL, QUEBEC-(Nov. 25, 2009) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) announces that it has obtained approval from the TSX Venture Exchange for its previously-announced private placement to Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE:CLF)(PARIS:CLF). Freewest will issue 6,908,440 common shares to Cliffs at a price of $0.60 per share, for proceeds to Freewest of $4,145,064.

The private placement is scheduled to close on Monday, November 30. The approval from the TSX Venture Exchange is subject to standard conditions.

The proceeds from the private placement will be used by Freewest for working capital purposes and for continuing work on Freewest's 100%-owned McFaulds property. Following the private placement, Cliffs will indirectly hold 21,658,440 Freewest shares, representing approximately 9.73% of the 222,533,479 shares that will be issued and outstanding.

Freewest's Board of Directors reminds shareholders that the Board continues to recommend that shareholders REJECT the hostile take-over bid made by Noront Resources Ltd. on October 13, 2009 and NOT tender their shares to the Noront offer, which will expire on December 1, 2009. The Board of Directors unanimously supports the proposed plan of arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc., announced by Freewest on November 23. A special meeting of Freewest shareholders to vote on the proposed transaction with Cliffs is expected to be held in January 2010.

About Freewest

Georgeson Inc. is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with the transaction with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

Georgeson Inc.

100 University Avenue

11th Floor, South Tower

Toronto, Ontario

M5J 2Y1

North American Toll Free Number: 1-866-433-7579

Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. More particularly, this news release contains forward-looking information concerning a Plan of Arrangement involving Freewest Resources Canada Inc. ("Freewest") and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Freewest. Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Freewest will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to whether the plan of arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. will be completed. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Freewest's management at the time the information is released and Freewest does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

For more information, please contact

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
(514) 878-4427 (FAX)
info@freewest.com
www.freewest.com

AGORACOM Investor Relations
FWR@Agoracom.com
http://agoracom.com/ir/freewest

[Press Release] Freewest Will Hold Conference Call to Discuss Plan of Arrangement With Cliffs...

24 Nov 2009 12:01:00 GMT

Freewest Will Hold a Conference Call to Discuss the Plan of Arrangement With Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Nov. 24, 2009) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) will hold a conference call to discuss its proposed plan of arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE:CLF)(PARIS:CLF).

The conference call will be held at 13:00 EST, on Tuesday, November 24, 2009. Interested parties may also access the conference call by webcast at: http://www.newswire.ca/en/webcast/viewEvent.cgi?eventID=2899380

A copy of the investor presentation that will be discussed during the call will also be available on Freewest's website at www.freewest.com

The telephone numbers to access the conference call are 1-888-231-8191 (toll-free North America) or 514-807-9895.

OPEN TO: Analysts, investors and all interested parties

DATE: November 24, 2009

TIME: 13:00 Eastern Time

About Freewest

About Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

Over recent years, Cliffs has been executing a strategy designed to achieve scale in the mining industry and focused on serving the world's largest and fastest growing steel markets.

Georgeson Inc. is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with this transaction. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

Georgeson

100 University Avenue

11th Floor, South Tower

Toronto, Ontario

M5J 2Y1

North American Toll Free Number: 1-866-433-7579

Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

For more information, please contact

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
(514) 878-4427 (FAX)
Email: info@freewest.com
Website: www.freewest.com

AGORACOM Investor Relations
Email: FWR@Agoracom.com
Website: http://agoracom.com/ir/freewest

[Press Release] Freewest Announces $0.70 Per Share Acquisition by Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

23 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

- Cliffs to acquire 100% of outstanding Freewest shares

- Each Freewest shareholder to receive C$0.55 in shares of Cliffs and one share of New Freewest with an estimated value of C$0.15, for a total estimated value of C$150.6 million or C$0.70 per Freewest share

- Transaction represents a 122.2% premium to Freewest's closing price on October 2, 2009, immediately prior to the announcement of the unsolicited offer by Noront Resources Ltd., and a 27.3% premium to Freewest's closing price on November 20, 2009

- Freewest Board of Directors unanimously supports Cliffs transaction

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Nov. 23, 2009) - The Board of Directors of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) is pleased to announce that Freewest has entered into an Arrangement Agreement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE:CLF)(PARIS:CLF) whereby Cliffs will acquire all of the shares of Freewest in a Board-supported transaction with a total estimated value of C$150.6 million, or C$0.70 per Freewest share.

Under the terms of the Arrangement, each Freewest shareholder will receive a fraction of a Cliffs share representing a fixed value of C$0.55, and one share of a new company, Freewest Resources Inc. ("New Freewest"), which will own Freewest's current portfolio of non-chromite exploration properties, estimated by Freewest to have a value of C$0.15, for a total estimated value of C$0.70 per Freewest share.

New Freewest will be a well-funded, Canadian-focused mineral exploration company with C$2.0 million in cash, Freewest's shares of Quest Uranium Corporation (TSX VENTURE:QUC), and a portfolio of exploration assets that include the high-grade Clarence Stream gold property in New Brunswick, Canada, which currently contains Indicated Resources of 235,000 ounces of gold grading 8.99 g/t and Inferred Resources of 156,000 ounces of gold grading 7.35 g/t. Clarence Stream also has Indicated Resources of antimony estimated at 126,000 tonnes averaging 2.3% antimony, or 6,395,000 pounds of antimony. New Freewest will be managed by the current Freewest Board and management, a highly-experienced team with a proven track record of finding deposits and creating value for shareholders.

Of the total transaction value of C$150.6 million, C$118.3 million is attributable to the shares of Cliffs while an estimated C$32.3 million is attributable to the shares of New Freewest to be distributed to Freewest shareholders. Cliffs' shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, where their closing price on November 20 was US$43.02. The transaction will provide a premium of 122.2% to the closing price of Freewest's shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on October 2, 2009, immediately prior to the announcement by Noront Resources Ltd. of its unsolicited offer for Freewest's shares, and a premium of 27.3% to Freewest's closing price on November 20, 2009.

"We are delighted to announce this transaction", said Mackenzie I. Watson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freewest. "We believe this transaction is clearly superior to the proposal put forward by Noront. It will provide Freewest shareholders with highly-liquid shares in a company with a market capitalization in excess of US$5 billion, while allowing New Freewest to continue as a well-financed exploration company focused on the high-grade Clarence Stream gold property and an attractive suite of early-stage exploration properties. The New Freewest shares represent significant value and ongoing upside potential."

The transaction will be effected by way of Plan of Arrangement. Freewest expects to mail a management proxy circular to shareholders in December for a special meeting of shareholders to be held in January 2010. It is expected that the transaction will be completed shortly after the special shareholders' meeting.

The transaction with Cliffs has the unanimous support of a Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Freewest, and of the entire Board. The decision of the Board was based in part on a fairness opinion provided by CIBC World Markets Inc., the Board's financial advisor. A copy of the fairness opinion will be included in Freewest's management proxy circular.

The details of the agreement with Cliffs are as follows:

- Freewest shareholders will receive C$0.55 per share in fixed value of Cliffs shares, with the precise number of Cliffs shares to be issued based on their market value on the NYSE shortly before the effective date of the transaction, expected to be in January 2010

- Freewest shareholders will also receive one share of New Freewest, with an estimated value of C$0.15, for each share of Freewest. New Freewest will:

-- be well capitalized, with C$2 million in cash

-- own all of Freewest's assets and properties, except for the McFaulds 100%-owned property and McFaulds joint venture property

-- own 4,187,760 shares of Quest Uranium Corporation, with a market value as of November 20, 2009 of C$13.3 million

-- apply to list its shares on the TSX Venture Exchange

-- have the current Board of Directors and management of Freewest, led by Mackenzie I. Watson, as its Board of Directors and management

- all holders of vested "in-the-money" Freewest warrants and stock options will receive a cash payment equal to the difference between C$0.70 and the exercise price of the warrants or stock options

- all of Freewest's directors and officers have entered into voting support agreements with Cliffs under which they have agreed to vote all of their shares in favour of the transaction

"The transaction with Cliffs will benefit all of Freewest's shareholders", added Mr. Watson. "Our shareholders will become shareholders of Cliffs, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as shareholders of New Freewest. The shares of Cliffs are very liquid, which will be advantageous for our shareholders. As Cliffs has provided a floating exchange ratio which guarantees C$0.55 per share on closing, the value of Cliffs' proposal is far less volatile than Noront's hostile bid, which offers a fixed ratio of Noront shares as consideration. As well, Cliffs has the resources to develop the McFaulds chromite properties, while New Freewest will focus on exploration."

Freewest and Cliffs have also agreed that Cliffs will subscribe for 6,908,440 common shares of Freewest at a price of C$0.60 per share, for proceeds to Freewest of C$4,145,064. The proceeds from the private placement will be used by Freewest for working capital purposes and for continuing work on Freewest's 100%-owned McFaulds property. Following the private placement, Cliffs will indirectly hold 21,658,440 common shares, representing 9.75% of the Freewest shares that will be outstanding. The private placement is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

Freewest's Board of Directors unanimously recommends that Freewest shareholders approve the transaction with Cliffs at the forthcoming special meeting of shareholders. The Board of Directors continues to recommend that Freewest shareholders REJECT the hostile take-over bid made by Noront on October 13, 2009 and NOT tender their shares to the Noront offer, which will expire on December 1, 2009. The Board of Directors maintains its view that the Noront offer is financially inadequate and opportunistic, and fails to recognize the strategic value of Freewest's assets and its future value-creation.

The Arrangement Agreement with Cliffs contains, among other things, a non-solicitation covenant by Freewest, subject to customary provisions that entitle Freewest to consider and accept a superior proposal; a right in favour of Cliffs to match any superior proposal; and the payment by Freewest to Cliffs of a termination payment equal to C$6 million if the transaction is not completed as a result of a superior proposal, and in certain other circumstances.

The transaction between Freewest and Cliffs is subject to a number of conditions, including obtaining the approval of at least two-thirds of the Freewest shares voted at a special meeting of shareholders, and a simple majority of the Freewest shares voted at the special meeting, other than shares held by certain officers of Freewest. The transaction is also subject to court approval as a plan of arrangement, listing approval from the TSX Venture Exchange in respect of the shares of New Freewest to be distributed to Freewest shareholders, and a number of other customary conditions.

CIBC World Markets Inc. is acting as financial advisor and Heenan Blaikie LLP as legal advisor to Freewest in connection with the transaction. Cliffs is advised by BMO Capital Markets and Blake, Cassels and Graydon LLP.

Conference Call

Freewest will hold a conference call regarding the transaction with Cliffs on Tuesday, November 24. Details regarding the conference call will be communicated shortly.

About Freewest

About Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

Over recent years, Cliffs has been executing a strategy designed to achieve scale in the mining industry and focused on serving the world's largest and fastest growing steel markets.

Georgeson Inc. is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with this transaction. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

Georgeson

100 University Avenue

11th Floor, South Tower

Toronto, Ontario

M5J 2Y1

North American Toll Free Number: 1-866-433-7579

Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. More particularly, this news release contains forward-looking information concerning a Plan of Arrangement involving Freewest Resources Canada Inc. and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. and the listing of the shares of Freewest Resources Inc. on the TSX Venture Exchange. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Freewest. Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Freewest will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to whether the plan of arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. will be completed or as to the ultimate market value or the listing of the shares of Freewest Resources Inc. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Freewest's management at the time the information is released and Freewest does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

For more information, please contact

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
(514) 878-4427 (FAX)
Email: info@freewest.com
Website: www.freewest.com

AGORACOM Investor Relations
Email: FWR@Agoracom.com
Website: http://agoracom.com/ir/freewest

[Press Release] Freewest Update to Shareholders

17 Nov 2009 21:40:00 GMT

- Freewest Board of Directors continues to recommend that shareholders REJECT Noront offer

- Freewest actively negotiating value-enhancing alternative transaction with third party under Exclusivity Agreement

MONTREAL, QUEBEC-(Nov. 17, 2009) - The Board of Directors of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) wishes to provide Freewest shareholders with an update regarding the unsolicited all-share offer by Noront Resources Ltd. for the outstanding shares of Freewest and Freewest's on-going negotiation of a value-enhancing alternative transaction.

Freewest's Board of Directors continues to recommend that Freewest shareholders REJECT the hostile take-over bid made by Noront on October 13, 2009 and NOT tender their shares to the Noront offer. The Board of Directors continues to be of the view that the Noront offer is financially inadequate and opportunistic, and fails to recognize the strategic value of Freewest's assets and its future value-creation potential.

As previously announced, Freewest has entered into a Confidentiality and Exclusivity Agreement with a third party under which Freewest is negotiating with this party on an exclusive basis. Freewest wishes to advise its shareholders that Freewest's legal counsel and financial advisors are actively working with the third party's legal counsel and financial advisors on definitive agreements for an alternative value-enhancing transaction, in order to sign the definitive agreements before the expiry of the exclusivity period on December 1, 2009.

"We believe that this transaction will be to the benefit of Freewest's shareholders and is in Freewest's best interests", said Mackenzie I. Watson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freewest. "Our goal is to sign definitive agreements for the transaction with the third party by December 1."

As previously announced, Freewest's Shareholder Rights Plan will stay in effect until 5 p.m. on December 1, 2009. Accordingly, Noront has extended the expiry date of its offer to December 1. As a result, Noront cannot take up or pay for tendered Freewest shares, if any, prior to that date.

"As Noront has extended its offer to December 1, there is no reason for Freewest shareholders to tender their shares or take any other action at this time", added Mr. Watson. "In a take-over bid, there is no advantage in tendering shares early."

In addition, Freewest is surprised by a statement made by Noront in its Notice of Variation and Extension dated November 13, 2009, that "on November 12, 2009, Noront reached an agreement with Freewest whereby Noront agreed to extend the (Noront) Offer until 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on December 1, 2009". Noront made a similar statement in its press release of November 12, 2009.

In fact, the decision by Noront to extend its offer to 5 p.m. on December 1 was made by Noront alone. Any implication that Freewest participated in, or agrees with, Noront's decision to extend its offer is misleading. On November 12, Freewest and Noront agreed only that Noront's application to the Bureau de decision et de revision en valeurs mobilieres for a cease-trade order in respect of Freewest's Shareholder Rights Plan was settled and that Freewest would, if the Noront offer was extended to at least 5 p.m. on December 1, 2009, waive the application of the Shareholder Rights Plan with respect to Noront's offer at that time.

Freewest is a well-financed mineral exploration company. It is actively exploring for gold, base-metals and chromite within eastern Canada. Corporate information can be accessed on the Internet at www.freewest.com. Freewest's shares are listed on Tier 1 of the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol FWR. Freewest can give no assurances that it will enter into a definitive agreement with the third party or that a transaction with the third party will ultimately be completed.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. More particularly, this news release contains forward-looking information concerning the possibility of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. ("Freewest") signing a definitive agreement with a third party pursuant to a Confidentiality and Exclusivity Agreement. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Freewest. Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Freewest will derive therefrom. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Freewest's management at the time the information is released and Freewest does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information, please contact

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
(514) 878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
(514) 878-4427 (FAX)
info@freewest.com
www.freewest.com

or

Bay Street Connect
Michael D'Amico
Investor Relations
(647) 500-6023

AGORACOM Investor Relations
FWR@Agoracom.com
http://agoracom.com/ir/freewest