The protest on Monday by residents opposed to the construction of a molybdenum copper plant in Shifang, Sichuan province, suggests that environmental concerns have become an important factor that requires serious consideration when planning industrial projects.

Residents fear the copper plant will have a detrimental impact on the environment and air quality.

However, the local government said the project had passed an environmental impact evaluation and it had solicited public opinion in advance. It said the plant would use state-of-the-art technology to prevent any discharge of pollutants.