Primetals Technologies: MagIron’s Strategy to Bring Merchant Pig Iron to U.S. Proves Viable
09/09/2026 - Primetals Technologies announced it has completed a concept and economic study evaluating MagIron’s intention to integrate large-scale granulated pig iron production with its existing facilities in the U.S.
The companies said the study evaluated three routes: MIDREX® Flex direct reduction followed by electric smelting; MIDREX® Flex direct reduction followed by electric arc furnace and ladle furnace processing; and blast furnace production. The study found that all three routes are viable to produce about 2 million metric tons of granulated pig iron annually.
“The United States currently imports essentially all of the merchant pig iron required by its steel industry. This creates a significant strategic vulnerability for a country whose automotive, defense, infrastructure, aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries all depend upon secure access to high-quality steel,” said Julian Treger, executive chairman of MagIron.
MagIron said it will use its existing infrastructure in Minnesota and Indiana for the project. It estimates initial commissioning and first hot metal could be achieved within two to three years after the investment decision.
“MagIron’s existing industrial infrastructure and domestic raw-material base provide a strong foundation from which to advance the project into its next stage of development. Primetals Technologies is thrilled to embark on this partnership and support MagIron in achieving its goals,” said Friedemann Plaul, senior vice president of iron- and steelmaking and ECO solutions at Primetals Technologies.
“The United States currently imports essentially all of the merchant pig iron required by its steel industry. This creates a significant strategic vulnerability for a country whose automotive, defense, infrastructure, aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries all depend upon secure access to high-quality steel,” said Julian Treger, executive chairman of MagIron.
MagIron said it will use its existing infrastructure in Minnesota and Indiana for the project. It estimates initial commissioning and first hot metal could be achieved within two to three years after the investment decision.
“MagIron’s existing industrial infrastructure and domestic raw-material base provide a strong foundation from which to advance the project into its next stage of development. Primetals Technologies is thrilled to embark on this partnership and support MagIron in achieving its goals,” said Friedemann Plaul, senior vice president of iron- and steelmaking and ECO solutions at Primetals Technologies.
