United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) plans to build a $1.9 billion direct reduced iron (DRI) facility at its Big River Steel Works site in Osceola, Arkansas. The project will locate DRI production at a site that includes the $3 billion Big River 2 expansion and four electric arc furnaces (EAF).
The DRI facility will leverage the company's 2022 investment into direct reduced-grade pellet capabilities at its Minnesota Ore Operations Keetac plant, creating a direct link between its mining operations, EAF feedstock creation and steel production at Big River Steel Works.
“This $1.9 billion investment strengthens our ability to create steel that is truly mined, melted, made in America, from start to finish,” said U. S. Steel President and CEO David Burritt 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.”
U.S. Steel expects the project to support approximately 200 full-time Big River Steel Works employees, 35 full-time embedded contractor roles and an estimated 2,000 construction jobs.
