Steel Markets
USS, government officials give update on Clairton Coke Works incident
Written by Kristen DiLandro
August 15, 2025
U.S. Steel, Allegheny County executive Sara Innamorato, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro clarified details from early reports about the Clairton Coke Works facility explosion just one day earlier.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, officials explained that two additional plumes coming from the facility following the large explosion were releases from pressure relief valves, not additional explosions. Additionally, officials did not address any fires on the premises thought to have been caused by the explosive activity.
When SMU reached out for clarification regarding earlier reports of a fire, USS requested reports only reflect details shared at Tuesday’s conference. The investigation remains ongoing.
Executive Vice President and Chief Manufacturing Officer of USS Scott Buckiso added additional details regarding where the incident transpired.
“We have both 19 and 20 batteries offline, just out of an abundance of precaution and making repairs to those rupture valves, so they will remain offline until they are safe. And 13 and 14 are shut down until we get to the bottom of the investigation and understand what we have to do to bring them back online,” stated Buckiso.
He noted that the facility had been preparing for a routine maintenance outage when the incident occurred on Monday.
USS committed to full compliance with the ongoing investigation.
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.
Kristen DiLandro
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