Cleveland-Cliffs determined that the original project was no longer commercially viable because customers were unwilling to pay a “green premium” for steel. The company and DOE instead developed a plan focused on improving the efficiency of the existing furnace and commercializing blast furnace gas.
DOE said the investment would protect 2,300 jobs and strengthen the domestic steel supply chain. Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks following an August 21 visit by Vice President JD Vance and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
“President Trump is rebuilding America’s industrial base,” Wright said. “It will modernize one of our nation’s critical steelmaking facilities, protect thousands of jobs, and strengthen our domestic steel production—keeping Ohio at the heart of American manufacturing and strengthening our national security.”
The work will include rebuilding and upgrading the plant’s main coal-fired ironmaking furnace. AI will be used to optimize furnace operations and improve energy efficiency.
A new on-site facility will convert blast furnace gas and other process gases into electricity. Follow-on investments will turn industrial byproducts into materials for concrete used in regional infrastructure.
“This landmark investment at Middletown Works will secure a reliable domestic supply of high-purity steel while protecting thousands of quality jobs in Ohio,” Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson said. “DOE is proud to partner with Cleveland-Cliffs to reduce America’s dependence on foreign products and position key domestic industries—including automotive, HVAC, appliance, and steel-distribution industries—for long-term competitiveness.”
Cleveland-Cliffs is the largest flat-rolled steel producer in the United States. Middletown Works supplies steel to domestic automotive, heating and cooling, appliance and steel-distribution companies.
