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

Dec 10 - Norsk Hydro (NHY.OL: Quote, Profile, Research) to permanently shut 120,000 tonnes of aluminium capacity at its Karmoy smelter in Q1 2009. [ID:nLA653715]

Dec 10 - Acadian Mining (ADA.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) says it scaling back operations at its Scotia zinc-lead mine in Canada.

Dec 10- Highland Gold Mining (HGM.L: Quote, Profile, Research) delays commissioning of its Novoshirokinskoye gold-silver-lead-zinc project and also defers majority of construction work at its Mayskoye gold project. [ID:nLA493483]

Dec 10 - Madras Aluminium says to temporarily suspend its entire aluminium production with immediate effect. Previously had made a 60 percent cutback.

Dec 10 - Rio Tinto's global spending cuts and layoffs likely mean delays for aluminium smelter projects in Canada. [ID:nN10347371]

Dec 10 - Rio Tinto Alcan has cut production at its aluminium smelters in France. [ID:nLA738279]

Dec 10 - Genco to delay completion of feasibility study for expansion at La Guitarra silver-gold mine in Mexico. [ID:nWNAB1526]

Dec 9 - Xstrata Plc (XTA.L: Quote, Profile, Research) said it will continue the shutdown of its Falcondo ferronickel operations in the Dominican Republic. [ID:nL9699328]

Dec 9 - China's top tin producer, Yunnan Tin, 000960.SZ has stopped production at its smelting facility. [ID:nPEK28752]