U.S. Steel has begun construction of a new $1.9 billion direct reduced iron (DRI) facility at its campus in Osceola, Arkansas. The plant will create a direct link between the company’s Minnesota iron ore operations and its electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking assets in Arkansas. The facility will utilize MIDREX™ Flex technology to produce high-quality DRI for Big River 2, supporting the production of advanced steels while improving raw material reliability and flexibility. The project also includes the capability to produce hot briquetted iron (HBI) for use across multiple operations.
The investment reflects growing industry interest in DRI as a strategic feedstock for EAF-based steelmaking. By strengthening control over metallics supply, U. S. Steel aims to enhance competitiveness while supporting lower-emissions steel production. The facility is expected to create approximately 200 permanent jobs and up to 2,000 construction jobs at peak activity. Once operational, it will further expand the capabilities of the campus, which already produces more than six million tons of steel annually. The project highlights the continued momentum behind DRI-EAF steelmaking as producers invest in next-generation steel production technologies.
Read full U.S. Steel story here: U. S. Steel Breaks Ground on $1.9 Billion Arkansas Direct Reduced Iron Production Plant – www.ussteel.com
