Dec 30 (Reuters) -
* Vale-BHP Billiton joint venture Samarco says will make last iron ore pellet shipment from declining stocks in first half of January
* Samarco's iron ore mine in Brazil's state of Minas Gerais has been closed since a tailings dam broke in November, killing 17 and leaving hundreds homeless
* Samarco said the final shipment will go to China Further company coverage: VALE5.SA AND BLT.L