Midrex Technologies has been selected to supply a 2.5 million metric tons per year direct reduced iron (DRI) plant for US Steel's Big River Steel Works facility in Osceola, Arkansas. The project marks a significant step in strengthening the company's domestic steelmaking supply chain and advancing lower-emission steel production.
The new facility will produce both hot direct reduced iron (HDRI) and hot briquetted iron (HBI), providing high-quality metallic feedstock for the site's electric arc furnaces (EAFs). Production is expected to begin in 2029.
The DRI plant is part of US Steel's broader $1.9 billion investment announced earlier this year for Big River Steel Works. The project will create a direct connection between the company's iron ore operations in Minnesota and its steelmaking facilities in Arkansas, establishing a fully integrated domestic supply chain.
According to the companies, the facility will utilize Midrex's MIDREX Flex® technology, which is designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions compared to traditional blast furnace steelmaking routes. The technology can support lower-carbon steel production while enhancing operational flexibility for modern EAF-based steelmaking.
Once operational, the project is expected to strengthen US Steel's raw material security, improve production efficiency, and support the growing demand for lower-emission steel products in North America.
VietnamSteel by Hoa Sen Group
