Zhou estimated a total of 75 billion yuan ($11.41 billion) over the next five years will be needed to address the pollution.

The breakneck expansion of heavy-metal industries, outdated technology and a lack of effective monitoring are cited as the main reasons for the pollution.

"More than 30 major heavy-metal poisoning incidents have occurred since 2009, posing a grave threat to public health, especially to children," Zhou said.

Excessive levels of heavy metal in humans can cause irreversible harm. The toxic elements accumulate in organs over time, leading to chronic disease.

Zhou said tackling violations by battery manufacturers will be a major focus this year.

In the latest case in January, more than 200 children were found with excessive concentrations of lead in their blood in Huaining county, Anhui province, the result of emissions from a nearby battery factory.

"Our investigation shows that the enterprise faked environmental review documents, and the local government's lax monitoring was also to blame," Zhou said.

As a punishment, the ministry has suspended approval for any new projects involving heavy-metal in Anqing city, which administers Huaining county.