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U. S. Steel to Build US$1.9 Billion DRI Facility at Big River Steel Works
04/29/2026 - United States Steel Corporation announced a US$1.9 billion investment to construct a new direct reduced iron (DRI) facility at Big River Steel Works in Osceola, Ark., USA, the first of its kind in the U.S.
“From iron ore in Minnesota to steel production in Arkansas, this US$1.9 billion investment strengthens our ability to create steel that is truly mined, melted, made in America, from start to finish,” said David Burritt, president and chief executive officer of U. S. Steel.
With the company’s investment at its Minnesota Ore Operations Keetac plant in 2022, there will be a direct connection between mining operations, electric arc furnace (EAF) feedstock creation and steel production at Big River Steel Works. The investment will provide a sourcing advantage for feedstock at Big River while eliminating the need to ship DRI to the facility, the company said.
“By vertically integrating DRI production directly at Big River Steel Works, we enhance efficiency, secure our competitive advantage and position U. S. Steel for long-term success. Our partnership with Nippon Steel helped accelerate this investment years sooner than would have otherwise been possible,” Burritt continued.
The company said the project will support about 200 full-time employees and 35 full-time embedded contractor roles once it’s completed. As it’s built, they estimate it will support 2,000 construction jobs at its peak.
With the company’s investment at its Minnesota Ore Operations Keetac plant in 2022, there will be a direct connection between mining operations, electric arc furnace (EAF) feedstock creation and steel production at Big River Steel Works. The investment will provide a sourcing advantage for feedstock at Big River while eliminating the need to ship DRI to the facility, the company said.
“By vertically integrating DRI production directly at Big River Steel Works, we enhance efficiency, secure our competitive advantage and position U. S. Steel for long-term success. Our partnership with Nippon Steel helped accelerate this investment years sooner than would have otherwise been possible,” Burritt continued.
The company said the project will support about 200 full-time employees and 35 full-time embedded contractor roles once it’s completed. As it’s built, they estimate it will support 2,000 construction jobs at its peak.
