MONTREAL, May 23, 2019 /CNW/ - Champion Iron Limited (TSX: CIA) (ASX: CIA) ("Champion" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it was awarded and named the "Rising Star Company" at the 2019 S&P Global Platts Global Metals Awards, held in London, England on May 16, 2019. The annual event honours exemplary performance in fourteen categories spanning the entire steel, metals and mining complex.

Champion was recognized following the recommissioning in February 2018 of the Company's flagship asset, the Bloom Lake Iron Mine ("Bloom Lake") located near Fermont, Quebec, which reached commercial production less than 5 months following the restart of its operations. Now positioned as one of the largest publicly listed independent players in the high-grade iron ore market, Champion's revenues exceeded C$655M in its first year of production. Champion is also proceeding with its ongoing feasibility study (the "Study") in connection with a proposed expansion that would double Bloom Lake's nameplate capacity from 7.4Mtpa to 15Mtpa of 66.2% high-grade iron ore concentrate and anticipates releasing the results of the Study in the summer of 2019.

Champion was also a finalist in four additional categories, including "Breakthrough Solution of the Year," "CEO of the year," "Lifetime Achievement Award" and the "Industry Leadership Award." The Global Metals Awards are judged by an independent panel of international experts whose background and experience include regulation, corporate leadership, trading and technology.

Commenting on the award, Champion's founder and Executive Chairman, Michael O'Keeffe, said: "It is an honour to bring home such a prestigious award and see our achievements recognised by industry peers. This accolade reflects the combined efforts of Champion's excellent team and will help our young company improve its visibility in the industry."

"Each of this year's winners and finalists deserves praise for their contributions to helping the metals industry become more efficient and innovative," said Martin Fraenkel, President of S&P Global Platts.

About Champion Iron Limited
Champion is a producing iron development and exploration company, focused on developing its significant iron resources in the south end of the Labrador Trough in the province of Quebec. Following the acquisition of its flagship asset, the Bloom Lake iron ore property, the Company implemented upgrades to the mine and processing infrastructure and has partnered in projects associated with improving access to global iron markets, including rail and port infrastructure initiatives with government and other key industry and community stakeholders. Champion's management team includes professionals with mine development and operations expertise, who also have vast experience from geotechnical work to green field development, brown field management including logistics development and financing of all stages in the mining industry.