In a statement, ArcelorMittal said the two have locked up an agreement to build the US$775 million furnace, which is to come on-line in 2023. Work is to start this year.  

“This is an important project for AM/NS Calvert which builds additional flexibility to its slab sourcing and will increase its responsiveness to short-lead-time orders,” said Brad Davey, ArcelorMittal North America chief executive. 

“AM/NS Calvert is already one of the world’s finest steel finishing facilities. Adding this state-of-the-art EAF will further strengthen its capabilities and enhance its ability to serve its full range of customers,” he added.  

ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel first announced their intention to build the 1.5-million-metric-ton furnace in August 2020. 

In a separate North American development, ArcelorMittal has announced a CA$24 million investment that will expand the capabilities of an Ontario hot-dipped galvanizing line.  

ArcelorMittal said the investment will allow ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s No. 5 galvanizing line to produce its Alusi (aluminum silicon) coated with its patented Usibor press hardenable steel as the substrate. The material is meant for automotive structural and safety components. 

The modification will allow for 160,000 metric tons of annual Alusi-coated steel production. Production is to begin in the second half of next year. 

“The addition of Alusi-coated Usibor capacity at ArcelorMittal Dofasco, in addition to our existing line at AM/NS Calvert, provides our valued automotive customers with improved regional access to advanced, high-strength steel that is key to meeting the demands of new vehicles for lightweight, yet stronger structural and safety components,” said Davey.