U.S. Steel is gearing up to break ground on its $100 million slag recycler project in Pittsburgh, also known as ‘steel city.’ The project is taking shape at the state-owned company’s Edgar Thomson facility in Braddock. They noted that they have received the necessary permits to commence construction of the recycler project. A slag recycler is a machine that turns the by-products of steel making into useful materials.

Once complete, the project is expected to reduce emissions in slag processing by up to 50% annually. “This project will help give new life to the by-products of steelmaking, and is expected to reduce emissions from slag processing, in some cases by as much as 50% annually,”

U.S. Steel noted in a statement. They also noted this will apply to processing of particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. “The recycler will also allow the slag to be collected and cooled in a closed system, avoiding storage in open pits, which will reduce emissions,” they added. The project is one of many in Nippon Steel’s investment projects in the United States.  

Outlook on the U.S. Steel Slag Recycler Project in Pittsburgh

The U.S. Steel is expected to commence preparations immediately for the slag recycler project. Moreover, construction is set to commence this summer. The slag recycler project has been hailed as a landmark achievement with many noting the current process is “primitive.” However, the system is about to change as Nippon Steel, the Japanese firm that bought U.S. Steel in June sinks $100 million into a slag recycler.

Once operational, the facility will create 15 to 20 full-time positions at the plant, which straddles Braddock and North Braddock. It marks the first major step in Nippon’s promised $2.4 billion Mon Valley spending spree. However, environmental advocates are less than impressed. “We always approach anything U.S. Steel is saying about emissions reductions with a lot of skepticism,” said Patrick Campbell, executive director of the Group Against Smog and Pollution. Once the project starts, construction is expected to take at least a year.

Factsheet:

• Project Name: Edgar Thomson Slag Recycler Project.
• Project Value: $100 million
• Owner / Operator: U.S. Steel
• Parent Company: Nippon Steel

Location

• Braddock / North Braddock, city.
• Metro Area: Pittsburgh
• State: Pennsylvania
• Country: United States

Project Status

• Permits: Approved
• Groundbreaking: Imminent
• Construction Commencing: summer (year unspecified)
• Construction Duration: 12 months at least.

Function:

• Refines by-products of the steel making (slag).
• Converts wastes to recyclable materials.

System Features:

• Slag collection and cooling system Closed-loop.
• Also eliminates open pit storage

Environmental Impact

• Reduction in emission projected: 50 percent a year in slag processing.

Strategic Context

• Nippon Steel first major investment.
• Also part of $2.4 billion in intended investment on Mon Valley operations.
• Updating of old slag treatment system.