Sanmenxia Yixiang Aluminum Co. has been ordered to close its 300,000-tpy alumina project for failure to pass environmental protection inspections, the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) said in its website.

The company has been fined 100,000 yuan ($16,209), and is not allowed to resume production until environmental protection equipment is installed.

The MEP will enhance crackdown on projects that violate relevant environmental protection regulations, an official at the MEP said.