Quality checks for ore imports

BEIJING - Eight government departments led by the Ministry of Commerce will jointly investigate the quality of imported iron ore stored at major Chinese ports, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Chinese steel mills and iron ore traders had recently told the government that some of the imported ore was adulterated and urged more regulation of the iron ore market, amid soaring prices and surging domestic demand, the source said.

The eight departments include the Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Transport.