The pilot programme might not affect the ratio of iron ore in mills' blends, which has seen less direct-charge use recently, but total output might be reduced, a mill iron ore buyer said.

The 2105 ferrosilicon contract price on ZCE closed at 8,078 yuan per ton on March 5.

Although under the influence of multiple factors such as environmental protection policies, there is no lack of wait-and-see sentiment in the industry.

The 2105 ferrosilicon contract price on ZCE closed at 7,726 yuan per ton on March 4.

Erdos is China's main coal-producing and consuming region. Envision's new project is designed to promote the use of cleaner energy in the area.

The 2105 ferrosilicon contract price on ZCE closed at 7,762 yuan per ton on March 3.

In early 2014, China initiated a key strategy to coordinate the development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei -- a regional city cluster called "Jing-Jin-Ji" -- to create a model with a better economic structure, cleaner environment, and improved public services.

The 2105 ferrosilicon contract price on ZCE closed at 7,692 yuan per ton on March 2.