SHANGHAI, Mar 22 (SMM) – As part of the local government's efforts to control air pollution, 126 iron ore beneficiation plants in Qian’an of Tangshan city, China’s top steelmaking hub, were required to suspend during March 19-31.

SMM learned that 20-30 of the 126 were in operation and some have halted after receiving the notice.

This move is estimated to impact production of concentrate by 15,000-20,000 mt per day and to bolster prices of domestic iron concentrate.

As of Friday March 22, domestic iron concentrate traded at 780 yuan/mt on a dry basis, tax and transport costs included, in Qian’an.