The freight trains carried 20,300 metric tons of cargo worth 217 million yuan ($34 million) from Jan 31 to Feb 6.

Zhang said he believes China Baowu Steel Group, and Anshan Iron & Steel (Ansteel) and Benxi Iron & Steel (Bensteel) are potential M&A candidates.

These were major goals set in a development guideline jointly released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

The coal storage in China's power plants reached 165 million tons, up 40 million tons year-on-year, the NDRC said.

Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter says the power utility will sanction several general managers for underperformance at various power stations across the country.

Eskom has a skills shortage, CEO says he won't accept underperforming executives

China plans to increase iron-ore output, boost use of steel scrap

Bauba says joint circular on Raubex takeover offer to follow