Sundance Resources to join Australian share index

SYDNEY, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Iron ore miner Sundance Resources Ltd (SDL.AX) will join Australia's benchmark S&P/ASX 200 share index from Dec. 24, index compiler Standard & Poor's said on Monday.

Sundance will replace Coates Hire Ltd COA.AX after Coates' shareholders approved a private-equity backed takeover by National Hire Group Ltd (NHR.AX)

Sundance has been working to develop the the Mbalam iron ore mining project in Cameroon, part of a belt of ore extending south into Gabon and Democratic Republic of Congo.

It recently dropped a plan to merge with iron ore miner Gindalbie Metals Ltd (GBG.AX). (Reporting by Jonathan Standing)