The plant, which will be located next to the U. S. Steel’s Big River II facility in Osceola, Ark., will convert iron ore from U. S. Steel’s Minnesota mines and hot charge it directly into the electric arc furnaces.

It also will be able to produce hot briquetted iron.

“This investment showcases what U. S. Steel does best,” said U. S. Steel president and chief executive officer David Burritt.  “From mining iron ore in Minnesota to producing advanced steel in Arkansas, our people are turning vision into reality. They're creating good-paying jobs today while building the capabilities that will make U. S. Steel stronger and more competitive for decades to come.”

Site preparation is underway, and construction is expected to begin before the end of the year.

“From a rock in the ground to a coil from our mill, this facility creates a true mine to mill connection within U. S. Steel,” said Daniel Brown, executive vice president – advanced technology steelmaking and chief operating officer, Big River Steel Works.

“It gives us greater control over a critical raw material, strengthens supply reliability and provides more flexibility to produce the advanced steels our customers need.”