EU Steel Makers Seek Probe Into BHP-Rio Deal

But the European steel industry federation Eurofer — whose members include the world's biggest steel makers ArcelorMittal SA, ThyssenKrupp AG and Corus Group — said the joint venture isn't "much different from the effects which would have resulted" from last year's takeover bid.

"The European steel industry continues to believe that a merger of iron ore assets of this type in a world market already dominated by just three suppliers would not be in the interests of the steel industry, European consumers or the European economy," it said.

Combining BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto would allow them to overtake Companhia Vale do Rio Doce of Brazil, the world's largest iron ore miner.