for Plan of Arrangement With Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

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MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - 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


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


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 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.



FOR FURTHER 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: >http://agoracom.com/ir/freewest



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.