FACTBOX-Global iron ore mine expansion/output plans

Jan 12 (Reuters) - Global iron ore prices are set to decline sharply in 2009 as demand for the steelmaking ingredient shrinks dramatically as a result of deepening world economic recession.

Following are tables of the world's top iron ore producers and consumers as well as updated investment plans and output cuts announced by iron ore miners to cope with reduced demand from steel mills.

The top three iron ore producers in 2007

COMPANY PRODUCTION (MLN TONNES)

1. Vale 296

2. Rio Tinto 144.7

3. BHP Billiton* 112.3

TOTAL 553

* Production figures for BHP are for its business year ended June 30, 2008, and for Vale and Rio are for calendar year 2007. Data is from each company. The three companies together control 35 percent of the global iron ore market.

Seaborne iron ore supply and demand in 2007

COMPANY EXPORTS (MLN TONNES)

1. Vale 249

2. Rio Tinto 159

3. BHP Billiton 105

TOTAL EXPORTS 756

Share of big three 68 pct