USS Clairton Coke Works reports explosion

“We are committed to providing every possible resource and support during this unimaginably difficult time. The work we do is important and often challenging, but it should never, under any circumstances, come at the expense of safety,” Burritt stated.

First reports suggest the explosion sparked a destructive fire at the site. 

“We will thoroughly investigate the cause of this incident. I end every meeting and every message with the words, ‘Let’s get back to work safely.’ That commitment has never been more important, and we will honor it,” stated Burritt’s update.

The Clairton Coke Works, located in the Mon Valley region outside Pittsburgh, is the largest coking facility in North America. Its annual capacity totals 4.7 million short tons. It was the first coke facility in the area when it was opened by U.S. Steel in 1916.

The plant is part of the larger USS Mon Valley Works complex in Pennsylvania. The complex facilities include the Edgar Thomson plant in Braddock, the Irvin plant in West Mifflin, and the Fairless plant in Fairless Hills.  

Coke is made from coal and is used as an input in the blast-furnace steelmaking process. USS also produces coke at its Gary Works integrated mill in Gary, Ind. 

U.S. Steel did not return a request for comment from SMU by time of publication.