Iron-ore prices in Asia pushed higher on Monday as strengthening global steel demand buoyed sentiment, and as Chinese steel mills continued to ramp up output despite the government's scrutiny of their compliance with stricter anti-pollution rules.

Fujian Juwei stainless steel pipe project environmental assessment plan is under approval

Although China saw rapid development of the solid waste management and recycling sectors, it still faces great challenges, Song said.

"These efforts would result in a big cut to emissions—which would be amplified by synchronization across markets," she said.

China's industrial output, an important economic indicator, rose 24.5 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of this year, as the country's industrial production rebounded steadily, according to the National Bureau of Statistics on Friday.

These projects will bring "rigorous risks and challenges" to the environment, it said.

Australian Vanadium applies to patent unique processing flowsheet

Chinese coking coal futures surged almost 6% on Friday, climbing to a three-month peak, after some major coal-producing regions ramped up their safety inspections, stoking supply concerns.