STEEL + TECHNOLOGY 04/2019 EXTRACT

EDITORIAL | 3
Success is feasible – even in challenging times
According to worldsteel, global steel demand remains resilient despite an uncertain
economic environment. The short range outlook released by the World Steel Association
is included in this issue. Steel demand varies greatly in the different regions of the world.
worldsteel states that the automotive sector weakens as a result not only of economic
factors, but also due to customer hesitancy during the transition from combustion
engines via hybrid drives to fully electric vehicles. This transition certainly involves a shift
towards a higher demand for electrical steel, but also for next-generation advanced
high-strength steels and other new steel grades. Consequently, steel producers have
been adjusting their production capabilities accordingly.
One case example is the new flat steel complex Steel Dynamics Inc. is going to build
in Texas (USA). The motivation behind this project is not just an expansion of production
capacity. Mark D. Millet, President and CEO, said that the new mini mill “should allow
us to achieve steel grades previously out of reach to thin-slab casting technology, while
sustaining the low-energy and low-carbon footprint - that is at the core of our steelmaking
operations”. In this issue of Steel and Technology, we outline the key parameters of
the project. The article is followed by a summary of what is considered the next-generation
approach to steelmaking - in terms of steel products, technologies and market
orientation. Built to substitute steel imports in the United States, the “learning steel
mill” at Big River Steel has set a new benchmark in the USA, using state-of-the-art
process technology to produce ultra-low carbon steels for automotive grades, electrical
steels and near segregation-free sour service grade line pipe steels. It is not by chance
that U. S. Steel Corporation, one of the biggest players in the North-American steel
sector, has just taken a stake in Big River Steel. “A true milestone for our 118-year old
company,” said David B. Burritt, President and Chief Executive Officer of U. S. Steel.
“The closing of our investment in Big River brings us one step closer to creating a differentiated,
world-competitive company that can offer our customers, employees and
stockholders the ‘best of both’ integrated and mini mill steel making technology. We
have done more than make an investment in the newest and most advanced flat-rolled
mill in North America … we have invested in the future of U. S. Steel.” These words
speak for themselves.
Arnt Hannewald, Dipl.Ing.
Editor
Also the other articles in this issue feature topics of key relevance for a successful
development of our economies - concepts and applications for higher efficiency and
zero-waste, for example – and aspects such as safety issues, which play a critical part
in sustainable, disruption-free steelmaking today. There are many approaches to success
– even in difficult times.
STEEL + TECHNOLOGY 1 (2019) No. 4