China curbs new smelters

China has introduced new legislation aimed at limiting the building and expansion of tin, tungsten and antimony smelters.

The new regulations, which became law on January 1, will require smelters to use their own capital to fund 50% or more of any expansion.

In addition, permission to build or expand such smelters will be not be given if the facility is unable to secure reliable supplies of raw materials, said Bloomberg, citing a statement on the website of the National Development and Reform Commission.

New tungsten projects will need to have an annual output of at least 2,000 t of tungsten powder, or 100 t of semi-finished products or 200 t of hard alloys.

Tin projects will be required to produce at least 8,000 t/y, while antimony plants will need a minimum output of 5,000 t.

The new environmental, financing and energy rules are designed to “properly develop China’s advantageous resources, optimise the utilisation of resources and promote industry restructuring,” the statement added.China curbs new smelters
Thursday, January 4th, 2007
China has introduced new legislation aimed at limiting the building and expansion of tin, tungsten and antimony smelters.

The new regulations, which became law on January 1, will require smelters to use their own capital to fund 50% or more of any expansion.

In addition, permission to build or expand such smelters will be not be given if the facility is unable to secure reliable supplies of raw materials, said Bloomberg, citing a statement on the website of the National Development and Reform Commission.

New tungsten projects will need to have an annual output of at least 2,000 t of tungsten powder, or 100 t of semi-finished products or 200 t of hard alloys.

Tin projects will be required to produce at least 8,000 t/y, while antimony plants will need a minimum output of 5,000 t.

The new environmental, financing and energy rules are designed to “properly develop China’s advantageous resources, optimise the utilisation of resources and promote industry restructuring,” the statement added.

The regulations also prevents new smelters from being built within 1 km of certain protected areas such as hospitals, tourist sites and medium-to-large cities.

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