EXHIBIT A --------- JOINT FILING AGREEMENT ---------------------- In accordance with Rule 13d-1(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the persons named below each hereby agrees that the Schedule 13D filed herewith and any...

                                    EXHIBIT A
                                    ---------


                             JOINT FILING AGREEMENT
                             ----------------------


         In accordance with Rule 13d-1(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, the persons named below each hereby agrees that the Schedule
13D filed herewith and any amendments thereto relating to the acquisition of
units of beneficial interest of Great Northern Iron Ore Properties is filed
jointly on behalf of each such person.



Dated:  July __, 1994


                            Appaloosa Management L.P.



                          By:              /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
                                          -------------------------------------
                                           Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
                                           President, Appaloosa Partners, Inc., 
                                           general partner

                                 Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx



                                          /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
                                          -------------------------------------



                                                              Page 8 of 11 Pages