Steel Mills
Big River Steel Announces Phase Two Start-up
Written by Sandy Williams
November 18, 2020
Big River Steel has successfully started up a second electric arc furnace at its mill in Osceola, Ark., completing the Phase Two expansion that doubles the capability of the advanced steelmaking facility ahead of the original timeline.
“When describing the success of our Phase Two construction efforts, I am extremely proud to be able to use my five favorite words: ‘ahead of schedule’ and ‘under budget.’ This achievement is a testament to the hard work and can-do attitude of our employees,” said Dave Stickler, Big River Steel’s chief executive officer.
The $716 million expansion doubles Big River Steel’s production capacity to 3.3 million tons annually. The commissioning of Phase Two, originally scheduled for Jan. 27, is more than two months early and already producing high-quality steels. The expansion adds a second EAF, ladle metallurgical station, thin-slab continuous caster, tunnel furnace and hot mill downcoiler.
Big River Steel plans to reach full capacity in less than five months. Once achieved, BRS will produce close to 5,000 tons of steel per employee per annum, up almost 66 percent from the already world class 3,000 tons of steel per employee currently produced, the company claimed.
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Mills
SSAB cites US strength but flags tariff-driven uncertainty
The Americas segment of Swedish steelmaker SSAB delivered a stable third quarter, but with weaker shipments and continuing cautious demand. Plate prices held, but tariffs, slowing end-user demand, and...
AHMSA drama deepens as drawn-out bankruptcy slowly progresses
A former CEO goes to court for swiping tin. An OEM distributor slams the bankruptcy trustee for failing workers and creditors. The steelmaker fires back. Angry employees demand back pay as tensions rise in Monclova's steel saga.
Cliffs aligns with US critical mineral policy, moves forward with DOE-funded projects
Cleveland-Cliffs is positioning itself as a key player in America’s push for industrial independence.
SDI execs tout progress on Mississippi biocarbon facility
SDI shipped the first product from its biocarbon facility in Columbus, Miss., in September as the project continues to accelerate.
SDI profits soar in Q3’25 amid ‘record’ steel shipments
Steel Dynamics Inc.’s third-quarter profits jumped year over year as the company saw “record” quarterly steel shipments