Company Announcements
June 16, 2026
Midrex to supply Big River Steel's DRI/HBI plant
Written by Laura Miller
U.S. Steel has selected Charlotte, N.C.-based Midrex Technologies to supply the direct-reduced iron (DRI) plant for its Big River Steel Works in Osceola, Ark.
The 2.5-million-metric-tons-per-year DRI/HBI Midrex plant will be integrated with electric-arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking and a domestic supply chain for DR-grade pellets – the first of its kind in the US, according to a statement from Midrex.
The plant will supply hot DRI to BRS’ four adjacent EAFs, while simultaneously producing hot-briquetted iron (HBI) for merchant sales and export markets.
“Midrex is proud to support Big River Steel on this landmark project that advances the future of iron and steelmaking in the United States,” said Midrex President and CEO K.C. Woody. “This facility will serve as a flagship example of integrating direct reduction technology with modern EAF steel production while strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chain resilience.”
The $1.9 billion project, announced in April, is part of USS parent company Nippon Steel’s $11 billion investment push in the US. The plant will support ~200 full-time BRS employees.
USS did not respond to a request for comment.
