FACTBOX: African iron ore projects

(Reuters) - Almost 1.3 billion tonnes of steel will be consumed in 2008, up 6.7 percent from last year, according to the International Iron and Steel Institute, and projections suggest growth of more than 6 percent next year too. As steel demand rises, steelmakers need more iron ore, a key ingredient in the metal.

Here is a list of actual and planned iron ore mines across Africa, some of which may feed world demand for the mineral:

ALGERIA

ArcelorMittal (ISPA.AS) MTS.PA, the world's biggest steelmaker, owns 70 percent of two iron ore mines in the North African country, Ouenza and Boukhadra, which between them produce around 1.5 million tonnes per year and have resources of 132 million tonnes.

CAMEROON

Australian firm Sundance Resources (SDL.AX) owns 90 percent of CamIron, which holds exploration rights to the Mbalam project in the south of the country, close to the border with Gabon. The company aims to produce 35 million tonnes per year for at least 20 years, with operations seen starting in 2012.

A pre-feasibility study estimated capital costs at around $3.3 billion for the mine, 490 km (304 miles) railway, and port.

CONGO REPUBLIC

Last year, privately-owned British firm Mining Projects Development said it had found large deposits of iron ore at the Zanaga site in Lekoumou region, in the south of the country. Earlier exploration work suggested there could be 500 million tonnes of ore. This year, the Brazzaville government said the project required investment of $2 billion, including money to build a 300 km railway line from the deposit to the port at Pointe Noire.

EGYPT

State-controlled Egyptian Iron & Steel (IRON.CA) supplies domestic steelworks from its El Gedida and El Bahariya mines.

GABON

State-owned China National Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation has signed a $3 billion deal to build an iron ore mine in the Belinga mountains in the remote north-east of the country, as well as a 560 km railway line and port on the Atlantic coast.

GHANA

Iron ore occurs at three main deposits, Shieni, Oppong Mansi and Pudo, while recent discoveries have been made at Adum Banso, which are yet to be fully evaluated, according to Ghana's Ministry of Lands, Forestry and Mines. None of the deposits are being exploited.

GUINEA