U. S. Steel Breaks Ground on $1.9 Billion DRI Facility in Osceola, Arkansas
October 30, 2026OSCEOLA, Ark. (October 30, 2026) – U. S. Steel broke ground on a state-of-the-art direct reduced iron production facility on its Big River Steel Works campus in Osceola, Arkansas on Friday. This first-of-its-kind plant represents a $1.9 billion investment for U. S. Steel which will create approximately 200 new full-time jobs.
“We’ve seen firsthand what the people of Arkansas and our team at Big River Steel Works can accomplish,” said David Burritt, President and CEO of U. S. Steel. “This investment builds on that success by creating good-paying jobs, strengthening Northeast Arkansas, and advancing the next generation of American steelmaking. By connecting our Minnesota iron ore operations with our growing capabilities in Arkansas, we are strengthening an American steel supply chain built to serve our customers and communities for decades to come.”
“There’s tremendous momentum around steelmaking here at Big River Steel Works, and this project adds to it,” said Dan Brown, Executive Vice President, Advanced Technology Steelmaking and Chief Operating Officer, Big River Steel Works. “It means new jobs and opportunities for the region, new capabilities and another investment in the people and communities that have helped make this operation successful.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2026 with preliminary site preparation underway. The DRI facility build-out is expected to create up to 2,000 construction jobs in the region.
U. S. Steel announced its plans to locate its DRI facility in Arkansas in April 2026. The DRI investment builds on significant investments that U. S. Steel has made in Arkansas since acquiring Big River Steel in 2021. The company invested $3 billion in Big River Steel 2, which began producing steel in 2024.
“Steel is the backbone on our nation, and that steel is being manufactured right here in Arkansas. With the new DRI facility, U. S. Steel is making another major commitment that strengthens Arkansas as a steelmaking hub,” said Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald. “U. S. Steel has invested billions in Arkansas, and we thank them for their confidence, and we are committed to supporting their continued growth in the Natural State.”
The DRI facility will be located next to Big River Steel 2, feeding direct reduced iron into its electric arc furnaces to support steelmaking for the automotive, appliance, and solar industries.
“It has taken a concerted team effort to build Mississippi County, Arkansas into the nation’s top steel producing county, and U. S. Steel’s new DRI facility shows that there is still momentum for growth,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “U. S. Steel’s investments have played a significant role in growing Arkansas’ steel industry, and this facility is a welcome addition. Congratulations to Mississippi County and the local community on supporting companies like U. S. Steel and encouraging their growth in the region.”
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About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. To learn more, visit ArkansasEDC.com.
