Essar Group-backed Mesabi Metallics has selected Midrex Technologies to supply the direct reduced iron (DRI) technology for its planned USD 15 bln steel complex in Iowa, US. The facility is designed to produce up to 10 mln tons of steel annually at full buildout, with the first phase planned for 7.5 mln tons per year.
The project will integrate DRI and electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking with Mesabi Metallics’ iron ore mine in Minnesota, creating a domestic mine-to-steel supply chain. The Minnesota mine will supply Patriot Pellet, a direct-reduction-grade iron ore pellet developed for modern EAF steelmaking.
The DRI complex will use MIDREX Flex technology to produce hot direct reduced iron (HDRI) for direct charging into adjacent EAFs, as well as hot briquetted iron (HBI). The technology can operate using natural gas, hydrogen or a blend of the two, allowing hydrogen use to increase as supply, infrastructure and economics develop.
Mesabi Metallics CEO Joe Broking said the companies had worked together for 18 months to optimize the technology and engineering for the project. He said combining Midrex technology with Patriot Pellet would support high-quality, cost-competitive steel production with a low carbon footprint.