In China, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the Ministry of Land and Resources, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection have jointly published a file entitled ‘Notice on inspection of steel projects'.
The inspections in question will cover steel-related projects built since 2005, including newly constructed or expanded iron ore projects and steel production projects. The inspections will investigate total outputs, granted approvals, land use, energy savings and environment protection.
According to the file, the development and reform commission of each province in China will carry out inspections of local steelmakers. After completion of the inspections, details particularly regarding output capacities are to be sent to the NDRC and the abovementioned ministries before December 31 this year.
The inspections in question follow media reports which alleged that some provinces have submitted false output capacity numbers in the context of the targets for energy savings and emission reductions for the 11th five-year plan period (2006-10). The NDRC thus wants to ensure it has received accurate data from the provincial governments.
The data collected during the inspections will also form part of the basis for structural adjustments and upgrades of the domestic steel industry during China's 12th five-year plan period (2011-16).