A total of 16 out of 41 major industries saw growth in profits in the January-July period, and 14 of them reported growth of over 5 percent.

The upgrades, targeted to promote clean production and improve efficiency, have brought about both environmental and economic benefits.

The industry has also stepped up efforts ensuring safe mining in recent years, Sun said.

Profits at China's industrial companies fell in the first seven months of this year as the country grapples with pandemic-related disruptions, high temperatures and insufficient domestic demand.

As the world's largest stainless steel producer and consumer, China saw its output rise 1.64 percent year-on-year to over 30.6 million tons in 2021.

Most of the capital goods monitored by the Chinese government posted higher prices in early August compared with late July this year.

China's booming environmental protection industry is playing an increasingly important role in boosting economic growth.

China's northernmost province of Heilongjiang saw its foreign trade in goods grow 31.9 percent year-on-year to 145.06 billion yuan ($21.52 billion) in the first seven months of 2022, according to local customs.