================================================================================
                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                                  SCHEDULE 13D
                                 (Rule 13d-101)

            INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN STATEMENTS FILED PURSUANT
           TO RULE 13d-1(a) AND AMENDMENTS THERETO FILED PURSUANT TO
                                 RULE 13d-2(a)
                               (AMENDMENT NO. 9)*

                         CLIFFS NATURAL RESOURCES INC.
                                (Name of Issuer)

                   COMMON SHARES (PAR VALUE $0.125 PER SHARE)
                         (Title of Class of Securities)

                                   185896107
                                 (CUSIP Number)

                                PHILIP FALCONE
                              555 MADISON AVENUE
                                  16TH FLOOR
                           NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
                     (Name, Address and Telephone Number of
                      Person Authorized to Receive Notices
                              and Communications)

                                 APRIL 14, 2009
                      (Date of Event which Requires Filing
                               of This Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report
the  acquisition  that is the subject of this  Schedule 13D, and is filing this
schedule  because of Rule 13d-1(e),  13d-1(f) or 13d-1(g),  check the following
box [_]

Note:  Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five
copies  of the  schedule,  including  all  exhibits.  See Rule  13d-7 for other
parties to whom copies are to be sent.

IMPORTANT   NOTE:  THE  SECURITIES  SET  FORTH  IN  THIS  REPORT  ARE  DIRECTLY
BENEFICIALLY  OWNED BY HARBINGER  CAPITAL  PARTNERS  MASTER FUND I, LTD. AND/OR
HARBINGER  CAPITAL PARTNERS SPECIAL  SITUATIONS FUND, L.P.  (COLLECTIVELY,  THE
"FUNDS"). ALL OTHER ENTITIES AND PERSONS ARE INCLUDED WITHIN THIS REPORT DUE TO
THEIR AFFILIATION WITH ONE OR BOTH OF THE FUNDS.

* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's
initial  filing on this form with respect to the subject  class of  securities,
and for any  subsequent  amendment  containing  information  which  would alter
disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The  information  required  on the  remainder  of this  cover page shall not be
deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the  Securities  Exchange
Act of 1934 or otherwise  subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act
but shall be  subject  to all other  provisions  of the Act  (however,  see the
Notes).

===============================================================================

---------------------------                          ---------------------------
CUSIP NO. 185896107                                              Page 2 of 13
---------------------------                          ---------------------------

                                 SCHEDULE 13D
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1        NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

         Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2        CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP       (a)     [_]
                                                                (b)     [X]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3        SEC USE ONLY


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4        SOURCE OF FUNDS

         WC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5        CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
         ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)

                                                                        [_]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6        CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

         Cayman Islands
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                7     SOLE VOTING POWER

          NUMBER OF                   -0-
                                ------------------------------------------------
           SHARES               8     SHARED VOTING POWER

     BENEFICIALLY OWNED               2,544,480
                                ------------------------------------------------
     BY EACH REPORTING           9    SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

           PERSON                     -0-
                                ------------------------------------------------
            WITH                10    SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                      2,544,480
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11       AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

         2,544,480
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12       CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES

                                                                        [_]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13       PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

         2.24%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14       TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

         CO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


---------------------------                          ---------------------------
CUSIP NO. 185896107                                              Page 3 of 13
---------------------------                          ---------------------------

                                 SCHEDULE 13D
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1        NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

         Harbinger Capital Partners LLC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2        CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP       (a)     [_]
                                                                (b)     [X]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3        SEC USE ONLY


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4        SOURCE OF FUNDS

         AF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5        CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
         ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)

                                                                        [_]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6        CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

         Delaware
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                7     SOLE VOTING POWER

          NUMBER OF                   -0-
                                ------------------------------------------------
           SHARES               8     SHARED VOTING POWER

     BENEFICIALLY OWNED               2,544,480
                                ------------------------------------------------
     BY EACH REPORTING           9    SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

           PERSON                     -0-
                                ------------------------------------------------
            WITH                10    SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                      2,544,480
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11       AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

         2,544,480
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12       CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES

                                                                        [_]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13       PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

         2.24%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14       TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

         CO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


---------------------------                          ---------------------------
CUSIP NO. 185896107                                              Page 4 of 13
---------------------------                          ---------------------------

                                 SCHEDULE 13D
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1        NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

         Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2        CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP       (a)     [_]
                                                                (b)     [X]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3        SEC USE ONLY


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4        SOURCE OF FUNDS

         WC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5        CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
         ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)

                                                                        [_]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6        CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

         Delaware
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                7     SOLE VOTING POWER

          NUMBER OF                   -0-
                                ------------------------------------------------
           SHARES               8     SHARED VOTING POWER

     BENEFICIALLY OWNED               2,698,276
                                ------------------------------------------------
     BY EACH REPORTING           9    SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

           PERSON                     -0-
                                ------------------------------------------------
            WITH                10    SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                      2,698,276
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11       AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

         2,698,276
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12       CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES

                                                                        [_]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13       PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

         2.38%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14       TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

         PN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


---------------------------                          ---------------------------
CUSIP NO. 185896107                                              Page 5 of 13
---------------------------                          ---------------------------

                                 SCHEDULE 13D
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1        NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

         Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2        CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP       (a)     [_]
                                                                (b)     [X]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3        SEC USE ONLY


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4        SOURCE OF FUNDS

         AF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5        CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
         ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)

                                                                        [_]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6        CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

         Delaware
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                7     SOLE VOTING POWER

          NUMBER OF                   -0-
                                ------------------------------------------------
           SHARES               8     SHARED VOTING POWER

     BENEFICIALLY OWNED               2,698,276
                                ------------------------------------------------
     BY EACH REPORTING           9    SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

           PERSON                     -0-
                                ------------------------------------------------
            WITH                10    SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                      2,698,276
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11       AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

         2,698,276
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12       CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES

                                                                        [_]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13       PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

         2.38%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14       TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

         CO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


---------------------------                          ---------------------------
CUSIP NO. 185896107                                              Page 6 of 13
---------------------------                          ---------------------------


                                 SCHEDULE 13D
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1        NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

         Harbinger Holdings, LLC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2        CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP       (a)     [_]
                                                                (b)     [X]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3        SEC USE ONLY


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4        SOURCE OF FUNDS

         AF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5        CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
         ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)

                                                                        [_]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6        CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

         Delaware
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                7     SOLE VOTING POWER

          NUMBER OF                   -0-
                                ------------------------------------------------
           SHARES               8     SHARED VOTING POWER

     BENEFICIALLY OWNED               5,242,756
                                ------------------------------------------------
     BY EACH REPORTING           9    SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

           PERSON                     -0-
                                ------------------------------------------------
            WITH                10    SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                      5,242,756
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11       AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

         5,242,756
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12       CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES

                                                                        [_]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13       PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

         4.62%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14       TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

         CO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


---------------------------                          ---------------------------
CUSIP NO. 185896107                                              Page 7 of 13
---------------------------                          ---------------------------


                                 SCHEDULE 13D
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1        NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

         Philip Falcone
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2        CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP       (a)     [_]
                                                                (b)     [X]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3        SEC USE ONLY


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4        SOURCE OF FUNDS

         AF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5        CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
         ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)

                                                                        [_]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6        CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

         U.S.A.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                7     SOLE VOTING POWER

          NUMBER OF                   -0-
                                ------------------------------------------------
           SHARES               8     SHARED VOTING POWER

     BENEFICIALLY OWNED               5,242,756
                                ------------------------------------------------
     BY EACH REPORTING           9    SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

           PERSON                     -0-
                                ------------------------------------------------
            WITH                10    SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                      5,242,756
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11       AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

         5,242,756
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12       CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES

                                                                        [_]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13       PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

         4.62%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14       TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

         IN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


---------------------------                          ---------------------------
CUSIP NO. 185896107                                              Page 8 of 13
---------------------------                          ---------------------------


Item 1.  SECURITY AND ISSUER.

This Amendment No. 9 to Schedule 13D  ("Amendment No. 9") is being filed by the
undersigned  to amend the Schedule 13D filed by the  Reporting  Persons on July
17, 2008, as amended by Amendment No. 1 filed on August 14, 2008, Amendment No.
2 filed on  January  12,  2009,  Amendment  No. 3 filed on  January  16,  2009,
Amendment  No. 4 filed on February 5, 2009,  Amendment  No. 5 filed on March 6,
2009,  Amendment No. 6 filed on March 27, 2009,  Amendment No. 7 filed on April
6, 2009 and Amendment No. 8 filed on April 13, 2009 (as amended,  the "Schedule
13D"),  with  respect  to the  Common  Shares,  $0.125 par value per share (the
"Shares"),   of  Cliffs  Natural  Resources  Inc.,  an  Ohio  corporation  (the
"Issuer"). The address of the Issuer is 1100 Superior Avenue,  Cleveland,  Ohio
44114-2544.


Item 2.  IDENTITY AND BACKGROUND.

         No material change.


Item 3.  SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION.

         Item 3 of the  Schedule  13D is hereby  amended  and  restated  in its
entirety as follows:

         "As of the date hereof the Master  Fund may be deemed to  beneficially
own 2,544,480 Shares.

         As of the date hereof  Harbinger LLC may be deemed to beneficially own
2,544,480 Shares.

         As of the date hereof the Special  Fund may be deemed to  beneficially
own 2,698,276 Shares.

         As of  the  date  hereof  HCPSS  may be  deemed  to  beneficially  own
2,698,276 Shares.

      As of the date hereof Harbinger Holdings may be deemed to beneficially
own 5,242,756 Shares.

         As of the date hereof Philip Falcone may be deemed to beneficially own
5,242,756 Shares.

No borrowed  funds were used to purchase  the Shares,  other than any  borrowed
funds used for working capital purposes in the ordinary course of business."


Item 4.  PURPOSE OF TRANSACTION.

         Item 4 of the  Schedule  13D is hereby  amended  and  restated  in its
entirety as follows:

         "As of April 15, 2009,  the Reporting  Persons ceased to be beneficial
owners of more than 5% of the Shares."


Item 5.  INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER.

         Item 5 of the  Schedule 13D is hereby  amended by deleting  paragraphs
(a), (b), (c) and (e) thereof and replacing such items with the following:

         "References  to  percentage  ownerships of Shares in this Schedule 13D
are based upon the  113,527,411  Shares stated to be outstanding as of February
23,  2009 by the  Issuer  in the  Issuer's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

         (a, b) As of the date hereof,  the Master Fund may be deemed to be the
beneficial  owner  of  2,544,480  Shares,  constituting  2.24%  of  the  Shares
outstanding of the Issuer.

         The  Master  Fund has the sole  power to vote or direct  the vote of 0
Shares;  has the shared power to vote or direct the vote of  2,544,480  Shares;
has sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared
power to dispose or direct the disposition of 2,544,480 Shares.

         The Master Fund  specifically  disclaims  beneficial  ownership in the
Shares  reported  herein except to the extent it actually  exercises  voting or
dispositive power with respect to such Shares.

         
---------------------------                          ---------------------------
CUSIP NO. 185896107                                              Page 9 of 13
---------------------------                          ---------------------------


         (a, b) As of the date  hereof,  Harbinger  LLC may be deemed to be the
beneficial  owner  of  2,544,480  Shares,  constituting  2.24%  of  the  Shares
outstanding of the Issuer.

         Harbinger  LLC has the  sole  power  to vote or  direct  the vote of 0
Shares;  has the shared power to vote or direct the vote of  2,544,480  Shares;
has sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared
power to dispose or direct the disposition of 2,544,480 Shares.

         Harbinger  LLC  specifically  disclaims  beneficial  ownership  in the
Shares  reported  herein except to the extent it actually  exercises  voting or
dispositive power with respect to such Shares.

         (a, b) As of the date hereof, the Special Fund may be deemed to be the
beneficial  owner  of  2,698,276  Shares,  constituting  2.38%  of  the  Shares
outstanding of the Issuer.

         The  Special  Fund has the sole  power to vote or direct the vote of 0
Shares;  has the shared power to vote or direct the vote of  2,698,276  Shares;
has sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared
power to dispose or direct the disposition of 2,698,276 Shares.

         The Special Fund specifically  disclaims  beneficial  ownership in the
Shares  reported  herein except to the extent it actually  exercises  voting or
dispositive power with respect to such Shares.

         (a, b) As of the date hereof, HCPSS may be deemed to be the beneficial
owner of 2,698,276 Shares,  constituting 2.38% of the Shares outstanding of the
Issuer.

         HCPSS has the sole power to vote or direct  the vote of 0 Shares;  has
the shared power to vote or direct the vote of 2,698,276 Shares; has sole power
to dispose  or direct  the  disposition  of 0 Shares;  and has shared  power to
dispose or direct the disposition of 2,698,276 Shares.

         HCPSS  specifically  disclaims  beneficial  ownership  in  the  Shares
reported  herein  except  to  the  extent  it  actually   exercises  voting  or
dispositive power with respect to such Shares.

         (a, b) As of the date hereof,  Harbinger  Holdings may be deemed to be
the  beneficial  owner of 5,242,756  Shares,  constituting  4.62% of the Shares
outstanding of the Issuer.

         Harbinger  Holdings has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 0
Shares;  has the shared power to vote or direct the vote of  5,242,756  Shares;
has sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared
power to dispose or direct the disposition of 5,242,756 Shares.

         Harbinger Holdings specifically  disclaims beneficial ownership in the
Shares  reported  herein except to the extent it actually  exercises  voting or
dispositive power with respect to such Shares.

         (a, b) As of the date hereof,  Philip  Falcone may be deemed to be the
beneficial  owner of  5,242,756  Shares,  constituting  4.62%  of the  Shares
outstanding of the Issuer.

         Mr. Falcone has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 0 Shares;
has the shared power to vote or direct the vote of 5,242,756  Shares; has sole
power to dispose or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared power to
dispose or direct the disposition of 5,242,756 Shares.

         Mr. Falcone specifically  disclaims beneficial ownership in the Shares
reported  herein  except  to  the  extent  he  actually   exercises  voting  or
dispositive power with respect to such Shares.



---------------------------                          ---------------------------
CUSIP NO. 185896107                                              Page 10 of 13
---------------------------                          ---------------------------

         (c) The trading  dates,  number of Shares  purchased and sold and price
per share for all transactions in the Shares by the Reporting  Persons since the
filing of Amendment No. 8 are set forth in Exhibit U.

         (e)  As  of  April  15,  2009,  the  Reporting  Persons  ceased  to be
beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Shares."


Item 6. CONTRACTS,  ARRANGEMENTS,  UNDERSTANDINGS OR RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESPECT
TO SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER.

         No material change.


Item 7.  MATERIAL TO BE FILED AS EXHIBITS.

         Exhibit T:   Joint Filing Agreement

         Exhibit U:   Transactions in the Common Shares of Cliffs Natural
                      Resources Inc.



---------------------------                          ---------------------------
CUSIP NO. 185896107                                              Page 11 of 13
---------------------------                          ---------------------------


                                   SIGNATURE

         After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I
certify that the information set forth in this statement is true,  complete and
correct.


                                HARBINGER CAPITAL PARTNERS MASTER FUND I, LTD.

                                By:  Harbinger Capital Partners LLC

                                By:  Harbinger Holdings, LLC,
                                     Managing Member


                                By:  /s/ Philip Falcone
                                     ----------------------------------------
                                     Name:  Philip Falcone
                                     Title: Managing Member




                                HARBINGER CAPITAL PARTNERS LLC

                                By:  Harbinger Holdings, LLC,
                                     Managing Member


                                By:  /s/ Philip Falcone
                                     ----------------------------------------
                                     Name:  Philip Falcone
                                     Title: Managing Member




---------------------------                          ---------------------------
CUSIP NO. 185896107                                              Page 12 of 13
---------------------------                          ---------------------------


                                HARBINGER CAPITAL PARTNERS SPECIAL SITUATIONS
                                FUND, L.P.

                                By:  Harbinger Capital Partners Special
                                     Situations GP, LLC

                                By:  Harbinger Holdings, LLC, Managing Member


                                By:  /s/ Philip Falcone
                                     ----------------------------------------
                                     Name:  Philip Falcone
                                     Title: Managing Member


                                HARBINGER CAPITAL PARTNERS SPECIAL SITUATIONS
                                GP, LLC


                                By:  Harbinger Holdings, LLC, Managing Member


                                By:  /s/ Philip Falcone
                                     ----------------------------------------
                                     Name:  Philip Falcone
                                     Title: Managing Member




                                HARBINGER HOLDINGS, LLC


                                By:  /s/ Philip Falcone
                                     ----------------------------------------
                                     Name:  Philip Falcone
                                     Title: Managing Member




---------------------------                          ---------------------------
CUSIP NO. 185896107                                              Page 13 of 13
---------------------------                          ---------------------------


                                /s/ Philip Falcone
                                ---------------------------------------------
                                Philip Falcone






April 16, 2009


Attention:  Intentional  misstatements or omissions of fact constitute  federal
criminal violations (see 18 U.S.C. 1001)