Zhang noted that while people earlier used baskets and mules to transport coal, mechanization and intelligent systems have since been introduced.

Meanwhile, crude oil production declined by 2.6 percent, and petroleum refinery production fell by 1.5 percent.

Speaking shortly after the agreement was signed, Biteko said the project is expected to boost the country's economic growth through industrial development.

In the January-July period this year, China's iron ore imports reached 713.774 million mt, up 6.7 percent year on year.

In the first quarter (April-June) of FY 2024-25, iron ore production increased by 9.7% compared to the same period inFY2023-24.

The steel industry's pace of green transformation has accelerated significantly, and intelligent manufacturing has been upgraded, he said.

Zimbabwean official hails Chinese steel firm for championing SADC industrialization agenda.

India's JSW Steel Limited has given notice seeking to surrender the Jajang iron ore block in Odisha, according to a regulatory filing on Monday,August 5.