Northern Iron Corp. metallurgy tests indicate 68.5% Fe on the Karas property

Average of 9 composite samples on holes KA 11-11 and KA 11-18 at a grind of 325 mesh (44µm) from the Davis Tube tests produced 97.9% Fe203 (68.5% Fe)

VANCOUVER, Feb. 23, 2012 - Northern Iron Corp ("Northern") (TSX-V: NFE) (FRANKFURT: N8I) today announced the results of its preliminary metallurgy test work, completed on drill holes KA 11-11 and KA 11-18.

The ongoing testing is being completed in conjunction with the drill program on the Karas property. The preliminary results from the testing performed by SGS Canada Inc., Lakefield, Ontario indicate a high quality iron concentrate, with an average grade of 68.5% Fe.

"The initial metallurgical test results confirm the potential of the Karas property and in conjunction with the past producing Griffith mine will produce a high grade feedstock to produce quality Hot Briquetted Iron product (HBI). In addition to the low silica and alumina, the low levels of deleterious elements like phosphorous indicate we will likely be able to produce a highly competitive scrap alternative for Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) operators. Our tests will be ongoing and will be incorporated in the forthcoming resource calculation to be completed by Rosco Postle and Associates. " said Basil Botha, President & CEO.


Average Davis Tube Test Results at 325 Mesh

           Fe2O3    Fe   SiO2  Al2O3  MgO  TiO2  P2O5   MnO  Cr2O3  V2O5  DTWR  Fe rec.
Average      %       %      %     %     %     %     %     %     %      %     %     %
Head Assay  33.16  23.2  49.68  7.76  2.63  0.26  0.22  0.07  0.02  0.01    -    -
325 Mesh    97.89  68.5   4.06  0.44  0.16  0.06  0.03  0.06  0.05  0.02  28.7  84.87

The 9 composite samples were selected to represent a range of ore grades from 16% to 30% Fe. Several of the individual Davis Tube concentrates contained Fe grades as high as 70% and silica as low as 1.93%.

Northern Iron is continuing to test the Karas ore to determine the best process for producing a direct reduction feed.

Raul Sanabria, P. Geo., is the Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 for the Karas Exploration Project. Mr. Sanabria has verified and approved the contents of this news release.


About Northern Iron Corp.

Northern Iron is a mineral resource company engaged in reviving a past producing iron mine and concurrent exploration of high quality iron ore resources in the Red Lake mining division, district of Kenora, Ontario, Canada.

Northern Iron holds 100% interest in minerals claims covering approximately 14,672 hectares, comprised of the El Sol Property, the past producing Griffith Property, the Karas Property, the Papaonga Property and the Whitemud-Slate Property.

The Griffith Mine owned at the time by Stelco, produced 78.8 million tonnes of iron ore for conversion to pellets and DRI from 1968-1989. Total magnetic iron recovery was 86.26%.

The Red Lake area is accessible year round by Highway 105, which joins the Trans Canada highway at Vermillion Bay, 175 km south and 100 km east of Kenora. Commercial air services operate to Red Lake from Thunder Bay, Ontario and Winnipeg, Manitoba.


Cautionary Statement

The foregoing information may contain forward-looking statements relating to the future performance of the Company. Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from the Company's plans and expectations. These plans, expectations, risks and uncertainties are detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with the TSX Venture Exchange and securities regulators. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved of disapproved the information contained herein.



For further information:

Basil Botha, President & CEO
Northern Iron Corp.

Tel: 604-566-8570
Fax: 604-602-9868
Email: bbotha@northernironcorp.com
Website: ww.northernironcorp.com
Follow us on Twitter: @NorthernIC