China is accelerating its efforts in industrial solid waste management following the release of the Comprehensive Solid Waste Utilization Action Plan. The policy emphasizes strengthening the comprehensive utilization of bulk solid waste, marking a significant step toward greener industrial development and resource efficiency.
According to the plan, key focus areas include improving the utilization capacity of metallurgical slag, tailings, associated and coexisting minerals, red mud, and construction waste. The policy also highlights the importance of efficiently extracting valuable components from solid waste while promoting integrated utilization solutions. In coal-producing regions, the diversified and localized use of coal gangue is encouraged based on regional conditions.
By 2030, China aims to achieve substantial progress in the remediation of solid waste in key industries. Historical solid waste stockpiles are expected to be brought under effective control, and the high incidence of illegal dumping and improper disposal will be significantly curbed. The plan sets a clear quantitative target: the annual comprehensive utilization of bulk solid waste is expected to reach 4.5 billion tons.
Metallurgical Solid Waste Remains a Core Challenge
Data released by the Chinese government (based on 2024 statistics) indicate that metallurgical solid waste remains one of the largest contributors to industrial waste. Key steel enterprises in China generate approximately 364 million tons of metallurgical slag and iron-bearing dust and sludge annually.
Among these:
- Blast furnace slag accounts for roughly 300 million tons per year.
- Steel slag production is estimated at 150 million tons annually, calculated based on China’s 2023 crude steel output of 1.019 billion tons, with an average of about 150 kg of steel slag generated per ton of crude steel.
As steel producers face increasing regulatory pressure to reduce waste stockpiles and improve recycling efficiency, the demand for effective solid waste treatment solutions continues to rise.
Growing Demand for Briquetting and Binder Solutions
The push for large-scale solid waste utilization is directly driving demand for briquetting, pelletizing, and agglomeration technologies. Industry estimates suggest that the end-user demand for binders in steel plant solid waste recycling has reached tens of millions of tons, reflecting the growing adoption of cold briquetting and reuse processes.
With policy support, stricter environmental supervision, and clear utilization targets, metallurgical solid waste recycling is transitioning from a compliance-driven task to a strategic opportunity. Technologies that enable high-strength briquettes, stable reuse, and cost-effective operations are expected to play an increasingly critical role in helping steel plants achieve both environmental and economic goals.
New resource: Xinhua
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