FACTBOX-Mines and plants hit by low prices, high costs

Jan 26 - Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc said it would reduce mining and crushed leach rates by 50 percent at its Morenci copper mine, compared with a 25 percent curtailment announced in December, along with a series of other operating reductions and deferred start-ups. [ID:nN26404413]

Jan 26 - Eastern Platinum Ltd (ELR.TO) said planned reduction in reserve development, which began late November, included temporary suspension of Crocette mine. [ID:nWEB3437]

Jan 23 - Oxus Gold Plc (OXS.L) said it will expand its 50 percent-owned Amantaytau Goldfields project faster than planned, but will slash development costs. [ID:nLN654101]

Jan 22 - Bulgaria's KCM said it will cut zinc output by 16 percent this year and lead output by 9 percent. [ID:nLM706116]

Jan 22 - Sharp falls in metals prices have forced several small mining companies in Mexico to scrap ongoing projects, the country's mining chamber said. [ID:nN22253659]

Jan 22 - Japan's Dowa Holdings Co Ltd (5714.T) said it would curb copper output by about 10 percent from its initial plan from February. [ID:nT16016]

Jan 22 - Lundin Mining (LUN.TO) said to close Galmoy zinc-lead mine in Ireland in May. Was to close on a phased basis over three years from end-2008. [ID:nWNAB2104]

Jan 22 - Australia's top gold miner Newcrest Mining (NCM.AX) lowered its forecast for annual production. [ID:nSYD338382]

Jan 22 - BHP Billiton (BHP.AX) (BLT.L) may suspend operations at its Yabulu nickel refinery indefinitely, analysts said. [ID:nSYD360707]