Steel sector making good progress in pollution control, say experts

The iron and steel sector has made commendable progress in its efforts to reduce pollution, notwithstanding the obstacles and challenges, experts said.

"Environmental protection in the iron and steel industry has made positive progress in the past decade, and emissions of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and particulate matters from per metric ton of steel production have dropped by more than 60 percent," said Li Xinchuang, president of the China Metallurgical Industry Planning& Research Institute. He made the comments at the 2018 China Iron& Steel Energy Saving and Emission Reduction Forum in Beijing on Saturday.

Much of the progress has been achieved by cutting overcapacity, phasing out substandard steel products, punishing those who have violated environmental protection regulations and boosting overall awareness of environment protection in the sector, experts said.