Steel Mills
Storage Dome Collapse to Delay Start-up of Nucor DRI Plant
Written by Sandy Williams
September 26, 2013
A storage dome collapse will delay the start-up of Nucor’s new DRI plant in Convent, La., until the end of the year said Nucor officials in a press release on Sept. 26.
On Wednesday afternoon, one of three storage domes for storage of iron ore pellets, suffered structural failure and collapsed, creating what sounded like an explosion and prompting calls to 911. No explosion, fire or injuries occurred. The dome, which is constructed of concrete with a fabric skin, was reported to look a deflated balloon. The conveyor system connected to the tops of the three domes was bent. The collapse is under investigation said Nucor officials.
The plant is in the “commissioning stage” and was expected to start production in the next few weeks. The incident will delay the start of the $750 million DRI project that has been under construction since March 2011. The plant will use natural gas to convert iron ore pellets into direct reduced iron. The plant is expected to produce 2.5 million tons of DRI per year.
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Mills
Op-Ed: Ternium CEO Máximo Vedoya wants a fair future forged in steel
After recently receiving an industry honor on behalf of Ternium, I had the opportunity to reflect and share my vision on the state and future of our industry.
Nippon eyeing new $4B U.S. Steel mill to sweeten deal: Report
Nippon Steel could build a new domestic U.S. Steel mill with a total investment of $4 billion.
Nucor cuts CSP by $20/ton, third straight drop
Nucor has lowered its consumer spot price by $20 per short ton, marking the third consecutive weekly decrease.
Nucor reports IT systems breach
Nucor said it temporarily and proactively halted some production operations at various locations.
Cliffs talks DOE funding, blast furnace relining schedule
The future of two projects supported in part by funding through the Department of Energy remains uncertain.