July 05, 2008
US Steel breaks ground at its Granite City Works
United States Steel Corporation in partnership with SunCoke Energy, Inc broke ground on a USD 570 million joint capital investment program to support the US Steel Granite City Works. US Steel will provide USD 280 million in this joint capital investment program.
As part of the program, Gateway Energy and Coke Company, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary and affiliate of SunCoke Energy, will construct, own and operate heat recovery coke ovens. The ovens will have an annual coke making capability of 650,000 tons and utilize state of the art technology to produce coke in an environmentally responsible way. The program also includes the construction of a cogeneration facility to be owned and operated by U. S. Steel.
The release said that “Construction of these facilities is expected to take 18 months and will generate approximately 900 temporary construction jobs at its peak. When completed, these facilities are expected to create 88 full time jobs while enhancing the long-term viability of the US Steel Granite City Works.”
The new coke facility will use SunCoke Energy's proven low emission technology to process coal into coke, a key ingredient in steelmaking. The technology has been recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency as setting the standard for coal processing ovens. The energy generated in the coke making process will be used in a cogeneration plant that will provide electricity to Granite City Works.
Mr John H Goodish executive vice president & COO of US Steel said that "Our more than 2,000 dedicated employees and their predecessors have made this facility a key contributor to the local economy for more than 100 years, while supplying high-quality flat-rolled carbon sheet steel to the construction, container, pipe and tube, service center, and electrical industries. This significant new investment demonstrates US Steel's commitment to environmental stewardship, highlights our commitment to Granite City and the surrounding communities, and helps to ensure that our entire company remains well positioned in an increasingly competitive global industry.”
