Revised laws hit the small players

Recent revision of China's environmental law could sound the death knell for many of the country's smaller iron and steel companies, according to industry commentators.

The new rules are demanding stricter technology upgrades and process optimization, as well as other tough policies, including daily penalties and detention of offenders, to further regulate the environmental behavior of enterprises.

Government officials have also been given more responsibilities, and non-governmental organizations offered the chance to get involved in environmental protection programs.