A KENDAL ecologist is celebrating a significant technological advance in ecological steel production methods.

Dr Henry Adams, a civil engineer based in the South Lakes town, spoke last week of his excitement that the world's first pilot plant for fossil-fuel-free steel plant in Luleå, Sweden, was begin its testing operation on Monday, August 31.

Dr Adams is one of a considerable number of residents opposed to the proposed coal mine near Whitehaven, which would look to supply the UK steel industry.

Tweeting his satisfaction at the news, Dr Adams said: "steel-making produces around seven per cent of global emissions and was considered one of the 'hard-to-decarbonise' industries.

"This event marks a big step forwards towards decarbonisation of this industry. History in the making as well as steel!"