Cooperative Agreement DECD0000101

The Department of Energy (DOE) awarded a $282,853,384 Cooperative Agreement under the Clean Energy Demonstrations (CFDA 81.255) program to Vale USA LLC. The project, "LOW-EMISSIONS, COLD-AGGLOMERATED IRON ORE BRIQUETTE FOR CLEANER STEEL," will construct a first-of-its-kind facility in the U.S. to launch a viable low-emissions alternative in the iron ore process that can be replicated at both direct reduced iron (DRI) and blast furnace (BF) facilities. The innovative cold-agglomeration iron ore briquette technology will deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional DRI pellets. The facility will also enable a circular approach to reincorporate iron ore and metallic fines back into the manufacturing process, driving additional operational efficiencies and emissions reductions. The award will fund construction of the facility, which is expected to generate 150 new skilled, well-paying jobs and engage a union workforce. The project plans to invest in workforce development and provide equitable access to job opportunities for local workers.