U. S. Steel Advances Metallics Strategy with Pig Iron Investment at Gary Works

Rhea-AI Summary

United States Steel Corporation (NYSE: X) is enhancing its metallics strategy with a $60 million investment to insource pig iron production at Gary Works. This project will yield up to 500,000 tons of pig iron annually, covering nearly 50% of Big River Steel's ore-based metallics needs. The investment is expected to generate over $30 million in annual EBITDA benefits and deliver an internal rate of return exceeding 30%. Construction is set to begin in early 2022, with production starting in the first half of 2023.

Positive

• Investment of $60 million in pig iron production to generate up to 500,000 tons annually.
• Expected to contribute over $30 million in annual EBITDA benefits.
• Internal rate of return projected to exceed 30%.

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• None.

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- United States Steel Corporation (NYSE: X) (“U. S. Steel”) today announced that it is advancing its metallics strategy by insourcing pig iron capabilities at Gary Works. The approximately $60 million investment will produce up to 500,000 tons of pig iron annually and provide a critical raw material input for its electric arc furnaces (EAF). Once complete, the Gary pig iron production is expected to provide nearly 50% of Big River Steel’s other ore-based metallics needs, contribute over $30 million of run-rate enterprise EBITDA benefits and deliver an internal rate of return in excess of 30%.

“U. S. Steel’s low-cost iron ore is an important strategic advantage for the company,” said U. S. Steel President and Chief Executive Officer David B. Burritt. “Our ability to control this important steelmaking input is a valuable competitive differentiator for our growing fleet of electric arc furnaces. An investment in pig iron is an important first step to translating our low-cost iron ore advantage to our EAF footprint while driving efficiencies at Gary Works.”

The decision to self-fund pig iron production rather than contract is expected to further enhance Big River Steel’s cost structure while adding value at Gary Works by driving blast furnace efficiencies without reducing Gary Works’ raw steel output. The permitting process is well underway, with construction expected to commence in the first half of 2022. Pig iron production at Gary Works should begin in the first half of 2023. The company expects to maintain its previously stated 2022 capital spending budget of approximately $2.3 billion by offsetting the pig iron investment within the capital budget.

This release contains information that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend the forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in those sections. Generally, we have identified such forward-looking statements by using the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “target,” “forecast,” “aim,” "should," “will,” "may" and similar expressions or by using future dates in connection with any discussion of, among other things, future profitability and earnings, the construction or operation of new or existing facilities, operating performance, trends, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, statements relating to volume changes, share of sales and earnings per share changes, anticipated cost savings, potential capital and operational cash improvements, anticipated disruptions to our operations and industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in global supply and demand conditions and prices for our products, and statements expressing general views about future operating results. However, the absence of these words or similar expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. It is possible that the Company’s actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the time made. However, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements because such statements speak only as of the date when made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In addition, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the risks and uncertainties described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and those described from time to time in our future reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. References to (i) "we," "us," "our," the "Company," and "U. S. Steel," refer to United States Steel Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries and (ii) “Big River Steel” refers to Big River Steel Holdings LLC and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

Founded in 1901, United States Steel Corporation is a leading steel producer. With an unwavering focus on safety, the company’s customer-centric Best for All℠ strategy is advancing a more secure, sustainable future for U. S. Steel and its stakeholders. With a renewed emphasis on innovation, U. S. Steel serves the automotive, construction, appliance, energy, containers, and packaging industries with high value-added steel products such as U. S. Steel’s proprietary XG3™ advanced high-strength steel. The company also maintains competitively advantaged iron ore production and has an annual raw steelmaking capability of 22.4 million net tons. U. S. Steel is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with world-class operations across the United States and in Central Europe. For more information, please visit www.ussteel.com.

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John O. Ambler

Vice President

Corporate Communications

T – (412) 433-2407

E – joambler@uss.com



Kevin Lewis

Vice President

Investor Relations

T – (412) 433-6935

E – klewis@uss.com

Source: United States Steel Corporation

FAQ

What is United States Steel's strategy for pig iron production?

United States Steel is investing $60 million to insource pig iron production at Gary Works, aiming to produce up to 500,000 tons annually.

When will pig iron production start at Gary Works?

Pig iron production at Gary Works is expected to begin in the first half of 2023.

How much EBITDA is expected from the pig iron investment?

The pig iron investment is expected to generate over $30 million in annual EBITDA benefits.

What is the internal rate of return on the pig iron production investment?

The internal rate of return on the pig iron production investment is projected to exceed 30%.

How does the pig iron investment affect Big River Steel?

The investment will provide nearly 50% of Big River Steel's ore-based metallics needs, enhancing its cost structure.