Midrex to Build 2.5 Million TPA DRI Plant for US Steel in Arkansas, Cutting Steel Emissions by 50 Percent
chemanalyst.comMidrex has signed a deal with US Steel to design and supply a 2.5 million tonnes per annum direct reduced iron (DRI) facility at the Big River Steel Works in Arkansas. The plant will use natural gas as a reducing agent, cutting carbon emissions by roughly 50 percent compared to traditional blast furnace methods. It is expected to start commercial operations in 2029. The project creates the first fully integrated steel production system in the US, linking iron ore from US Steel's Minnesota operations with electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking on site. This vertical integration reduces reliance on imported raw materials and strengthens the domestic supply chain. Midrex technology currently accounts for nearly 80 percent of global DRI production in shaft furnaces. The investment of about $1.9 billion aligns with US Steel's shift toward cleaner production methods. The new facility will supply high-quality DRI to the company's EAFs, supporting lower emissions while maintaining output. This move signals growing adoption of DRI-EAF technology as a practical path to decarbonize heavy industry in North America.