EXHIBIT 99(a)


Exhibit 99(a) - Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
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                of 2002
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In connection with this quarterly report of Great Northern Iron Ore Properties
on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, I, Joseph S.
Micallef, President of the Trustees and Chief Executive Officer of Great
Northern Iron Ore Properties, certify that:

     1. This quarterly report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13
or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

     2. The information contained in this quarterly report fairly presents, in
all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
Great Northern Iron Ore Properties.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other
document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting the signature that
appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement
required by Section 906, has been provided to Great Northern Iron Ore Properties
and will be retained by Great Northern Iron Ore Properties and furnished to the
Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.


Date    July 17, 2003       By /s/ Joseph S. Micallef
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                               Joseph S. Micallef, President of the Trustees and
                               Chief Executive Officer



In connection with this quarterly report of Great Northern Iron Ore Properties
on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, I, Thomas A.
Janochoski, Vice President & Secretary and Chief Financial Officer of Great
Northern Iron Ore Properties, certify that:

     1. This quarterly report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13
or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

     2. The information contained in this quarterly report fairly presents, in
all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
Great Northern Iron Ore Properties.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other
document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting the signature that
appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement
required by Section 906, has been provided to Great Northern Iron Ore Properties
and will be retained by Great Northern Iron Ore Properties and furnished to the
Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.


Date    July 17, 2003       By /s/ Thomas A. Janochoski
     -------------------       -------------------------------------------------
                               Thomas A. Janochoski, Vice President &
                               Secretary and Chief Financial Officer


                                     99(a)-1