Two steelmakers to increase capacity with new 3-million-ton U.S. mills

Steelmakers United States Steel Corp. and Nucor both have announced plans to establish new mills in the U.S.

U. S. Steel, Pittsburgh, has launched an exploratory site selection process to build a 3-million-ton mini-mill flat-rolled facility. It will combine two electric arc furnaces (EAFs) with differentiated steelmaking and finishing technology. Potential locations include states in which the steelmaker has existing EAF operations, as well as greenfield sites.

According to the company, the project, estimated at $3 billion, is a significant step towards achieving its 2030 goal of reducing its global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity by 20%, compared to a 2018 baseline, and positions the company to progress on its 2050 net-zero carbon emission target. Additional mini-mill steelmaking also will create a platform to expand U. S. Steel’s verdeX sustainable product line, delivering differentiated steels made with significantly lower GHG emissions than the traditional integrated steelmaking process.

“Our customers are looking for like-minded partners to continue marching towards a sustainable future,” commented U. S. Steel President/CEO David B. Burritt. “We are demonstrating our commitment to this shared goal by beginning the process to increase our sustainable steelmaking capability.”

Upon receipt of required environmental and operating permits, U. S. Steel expects to begin construction of the mini-mill in the first half of 2022, with production scheduled to begin in 2024.

Nucor Corp., Charlotte, N.C., also plans to establish a new, 3-million-ton sheet mill, to be located in Ohio, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia. According to the steelmaker, the new mill will have a significantly lower carbon footprint than nearby competitors.

The new sheet mill is expected to cost about $2.7 billion and have the capacity to produce 3 million tons of steel annually. The mill will be able to produce hot-rolled sheet products with downstream processing including a tandem cold mill, annealing capabilities, and initially two galvanizing lines. Galvanizing capabilities will include an advanced high-end automotive line with full inspection capabilities, as well as a construction-grade line. Once state and local incentives, permitting, and other regulatory approvals are received, construction is expected to take two years.