Firm makes more than a scrap of difference to locals

Keeping pollution to a minimum has been made a top priority for investors

China's spectacular growth over the past 30 years has exacted a heavy toll on its environment. Now the country's leaders are seeking to rebalance the quest for economic success and the need for sustainable development. So as Chinese companies start to move factories to Africa to be closer to raw materials and markets, and to modernize their production methods, they are paying increasing attention to how their moves will affect the environment.

One such company is Hongxing Steel Co Ltd, which is grappling with the problem of pollution from its factory in Lagos, the largest city in the country, even as it keeps its foot on the accelerator to keep up its rapid growth.