THREE steel manufacturers in the eastern province of Shandong inked deals earlier this week with Republic of Korea (ROK) environment technology firms to address air pollution.

    Taishan Steel, Weifang Special Steel Group and Jinan Steel have retained environment technology firms KC Cottrell, POSCO ICT, J-E Tech in respective deals totaling 81.99 million yuan (US$12.6 million) to reduce dust from their steel mills.

    Industrial goods manufacturing has been a major contributor to the choking smog that often covers much of China during winter. Protection measures were poorly enforced in the past as many local governments prized economic growth over the environment.

    However, as industrial production no longer propels growth as it once did air pollution is stoking public ire, and the authorities are increasingly prioritizing environmental protection an alternative industry driving sustainable growth.

    The concentration of heavy industry in Shandong means there is huge demand for environmental services, said Ge Weiyan, deputy director of the Shandong Environmental Protection Bureau.(Xinhua)