China will eliminate 22 million tons of out-of-date iron production capacity and 24 million tons of outmoded steel production capacity in 2007, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced here Monday.

The shutdowns will affect ten provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions.

This is just the first stage in efforts to modernize these industries and reduce pollution, said NDRC head Ma Kai, adding "We are looking for ways to eliminate more."

By 2010, the country plans to have eliminated 55 million tons of out-of-date steel production capacity and 100 million tons iron production capacity.