Chinese steel dragon breathes fire of new technology – in pictures

Workers move molten iron at a furnace in the production area of Zhong Tian (Zenith) Steel. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images

Red hot rolled steel is seen on the production line at Zhong Tian (Zenith) Steel. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images

Ore to be used in the manufacturing of steel is seen on barges in the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal in the logistics area of Zhong Tian (Zenith) Steel. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images

Workers inspect steel bars for quality in the production area of Zhong Tian (Zenith) Steel. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images

A worker walks in a tower overlooking part of the Zhong Tian (Zenith) Steel Group Corporation. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images

A worker supervises a furnace of molten iron at Zhong Tian (Zenith) Steel. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images

A workers welds the ends of hot rolled steel on the line at Zhong Tian (Zenith) Steel. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images

A worker moves molten iron at a furnace in the production area of Zhong Tian (Zenith) Steel. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images

A worker takes samples for quality of molten iron outside a furnace at Zhong Tian (Zenith) Steel. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images

A worker carries steel wire on the production line at Zhong Tian (Zenith) Steel. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images

A worker welds steel bars for export in the production area of Zhong Tian (Zenith) Steel. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images

Workers ride past a sign saying “Zhong Tian Steel, Like the Sun at Noon” on their way to work at Zhong Tian (Zenith) Steel. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images

A worker takes samples for quality of molten iron from a furnace at Zhong Tian (Zenith) Steel. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images

Zhong Tian (Zenith) Steel Group Corporation is a privately-owned manufacturer that employs over 13,000 workers at its facility in China’s eastern Jiangsu province. Since 2001, the “steel dragon” says it has adopted new technology to streamline the production of premium quality steel and to reduce environmental impact. The majority of its steel output is for the Chinese market with 20 per cent earmarked for export, mostly to Asia.