RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After selling its coal mining operations in July 2010, the management team for INR Energy, LLC has started a new company – Natural Resources International, LLC (NRI). NRI’s strategic focus will be on acquisitions and investments in mining and minerals related assets worldwide.

NRI's entire executive management team has transitioned from INR Energy, allowing them to build on their expertise in this new venture. The company will specifically focus on the following:

• Developing and operating mining properties with a primary focus on bulk mining
• Developing and operating mining infrastructure assets including rail, port and transportation assets
• Acquiring mining technology services businesses, specifically those directed toward operating mines more safely and in an environmentally friendly manner

“We fully buy into this commodity super cycle and intend to capitalize on our expertise in developing and operating mining properties,” said Chairman and CEO Gary Rogliano. “Although the natural resources space has seen a value run-up recently, there are numerous opportunities to invest and create value.”

Natural Resources International is actively negotiating several potential acquisitions around the globe. In addition to the US, NRI’s primary geographical focus will be Australia and Canada. The company is also looking at assets in South America and Africa, especially those that offer strong export opportunities and participate in the international seaborne trade. Always a safety advocate, NRI is making a concerted effort to become a leader in the support and pursuit of mining safety through the use of technology and communications advances.

The management of NRI have partnered with Barclays Natural Resources Investments (BNRI) to create this new venture. BNRI was a major investor that benefitted in the success of INR Energy.

“We are excited to partner with the NRI management team again,” said David Ellis, Director, BNRI. “Already having worked with the team for a number of years during INR Energy, we recognize their special talent in acquiring assets and taking them from early stage development through to full production. It is a compliment to their success and teamwork that the entire executive management team has stayed together to form NRI and we are delighted to be backing them once more.”

About Natural Resources International, LLC

Natural Resources International, LLC (NRI) is a Richmond, Va. based company focusing on acquisitions and investments in mining and mineral assets worldwide. Please visit www.nriLLC.com for more information.

About Barclays Natural Resource Investments

BNRI finds and partners with best-in-class operational management teams with specific expertise and significant experience and track-record within the global natural resources sector, primarily in upstream oil & gas, upstream mining, and power, including renewables. Please visit www.bnri.com for more information.