Chinese steelmakers in Shanxi province are feeling the pinch of new water usage rules introduced by the Shanxi Development and Reform Commission.
Incremental levies are now payable by companies that exceed mandatory water usage standards and can double the cost if usage is exceeded by 20%, or cost five times more if exceeded by more than 60%.
With stricter environmental regulations resulting in the closure of some Chinese mills, the Shanxi region plans to cut its hazardous PM 2.5 concentration by 40% from October to March, according to a report by Reuters.
Source: Reuters.