Pittsburgh-based United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) plans to invest $1.9 billion to build a new direct reduced iron (DRI) facility at its Big River Steel Works in Osceola, Ark.
“From iron ore in Minnesota to steel production in Arkansas, this $1.9 billion investment strengthens our ability to create steel that is truly mined, melted, made in America, from start to finish,” David Burritt, U. S. Steel President and CEO, said. “By vertically integrating DRI production directly at Big River Steel Works, we enhance efficiency, secure our competitive advantage, and position U.S. Steel for long term success.”
The DRI facility will be the first of its kind in the United States and will leverage the company’s 2022 investment in its Minnesota Ore Operations Keetac plant’s direct reduced-grade pellet capabilities. The project will create an estimated 2,000 construction jobs at its peak along with approximately 200 full-time employees and 35 full-time embedded contractor roles.
A more than $3 billion expansion recently completed at Big River Steel Works that includes four electric arc furnaces. This eliminates the need to ship DRI to the facility and provides Big River’s feedstock a competitive sourcing advantage.
U.S. Steel’s investments enhance the company’s ability to deliver domestic steel to its customers.