China’s iron ore output may reach one billion tons this year, said Li Xinchuang, head of China Metallurgical Industry Planning Research Institute. 17 major mines that have already been under operations in recent days have a combined output of over 100 million tons. The prospects of future production are even brighter since China has uncovered a handful of iron ore deposits in Anshan-Benxi (Liaoning), eastern Hebei, Yanzhou (Shandong), Panxi (Sichuan) and Luzong (Anhui), with a total reserve of 10 billion tons. Iron ore capacity from proposed projects and projects under construction across China is expected at 480 million tons. China’s iron ore output rose from 260 million tons in 2003 to 880 million tons in 2009, albeit its dependence on imported iron ore remained at as high as 69.62 percent last year.