Wu’an to deepen production curbs on steelmakers, coke plants till end-Aug

SHANGHAI, Aug 21 (SMM) – Wu'an, one of China's major steelmaking hubs in Hebei province, will ramp up its production curbs on nine steelmakers and two coke plants during August 22-31, in a bid to improve air quality. This came on top of the city’s anti-smog control plan for August.

In terms of the composite index and PM2.5 improvement rate, Wu’an has been the worst performer in the province since August.

According to the notice issued by the city’s smog-control office on August 20, nine of 14 steelmakers across the city are required to suspend all their sintering machines and all but one blast furnace for up to 10 days. Five of the nine steel mills will face additional restrictions.

Coke plants are ordered to extend their coke production period beyond 36 hours during that period.