U.S. Steel announced on April 29 that it will invest US$1.9 billion to build the nation's first new direct reduced iron (DRI) facility at Big River Steel Works in Osceola. The finished facility will create around 200 jobs, and up to 2,000 construction workers will be recruited for the project.

US Senator John Boozman said the large investment shows strong recognition of Arkansas' steel industry strength, business environment, and labor resources. The new plant will connect Minnesota's mining business with Arkansas' steel production and build a competitive edge in raw material supply.

The firm's CEO, David B. Burritt, stated that vertical integration boosts operational efficiency, and its partnership with Nippon Steel has advanced the investment schedule greatly.