Steel Mills
USS marks launch of DR-grade pellet ops in Minnesota
Written by Ethan Bernard
May 24, 2024
U.S. Steel celebrated the launch and “operational readiness” of its DR-grade iron ore pellet production facility in Minnesota.
The Pittsburgh-based steelmaker has already confirmed the first shipment of DR-grade pellets from the Minnesota Ore Operations-Keetac Plant in Keewatin, Minn. The operation is on track to deliver ~4 million short tons (st) of pellets annually.
“This project was completed ahead of time, under budget, and most importantly, safely. Plus, it created 250 construction jobs and 33 full-time union and management jobs,” David B. Burritt, U.S. Steel president and CEO, said in a statement on Thursday.
The steelmaker said the $150-million investment is a step forward in its metallics strategy “by supplying the increasingly tight DR-grade pellet market with low-cost iron ore and building on the company’s ability to meet customer needs.”
This facility will be able to produce either DR-grade iron ore pellets or blast furnace iron ore pellets. U.S. Steel said this will allow it to adjust to changes in the market.
The company noted that construction on the facility began in August 2022 and was completed in December 2023. The Minnesota Ore Operations directly employs nearly 2,000 workers.
Burritt was on hand at the celebration along with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and other elected officials, as well as USS SVP of raw materials and sustainable resources John Gordon, employees, and members of the community.
Ethan Bernard
Read more from Ethan BernardLatest in Steel Mills
ArcelorMittal plans wire-drawing closure in Hamilton, shifts production to Montreal
ArcelorMittal’s (AM) Hamilton location to be shuttered, wire production shifting to Montreal.
USS, Nippon Steel quiet as litigation deadline approaches
There has been little word from U.S. Steel, Nippon Steel, or the White House since President Trump endorsed the companies’ “partnership” on social media and celebrated it at the May 30 rally outside Pittsburgh.
AISI: April mill shipments fall, sheet down YTD
US steel mills saw a decline in shipments from March to April.
Hybar rolls first rebar, ramping up Arkansas mill commissioning
The startup steelmaker produced its first rebar at its greenfield steel mill in Osceola, Ark., marking a key milestone by completing construction in 22 months.
Goncalves: Despite higher tariffs, two Cliffs mills to remain idled
Cleveland-Cliffs Chairman, President, and CEO Lourenco Goncalves said he would keep one mill idled and still plans to idle another despite increased protections from Section 232 tariffs doubling to 50%.