China shuts down steel plant to check pollution

Beijing: China's biggest steel mill which virtually turned this city dark with its smoke for decades has been shut down, a move aimed at bringing down the alarmingly high pollution level that is denting the country's reputation.

The Shougang steel factory that played key role in China emerging as the world's largest producer of steel producing over 10 million tonnes per annum, has formally ceased its operations on December 31, and many factories have been relocated to Caofeidian, a reclaimed island, 200 km from here.

Shougang steel is one of the many factories that is being moved out or upgraded with the environmental friendly technology in Beijing to bring down the alarmingly high pollution level that is denting its reputation