New DRI Plant Planned for US Pig Iron Production

NEMO Industries is planning a new direct reduction iron (DRI) plant in Louisiana to strengthen domestic pig iron production by supplying high-carbon DRI for electric smelting. The project will support both U.S. and international markets while incorporating technologies designed to improve process efficiency and provide flexibility for future lower-carbon ironmaking.

NEMO Industries has selected Tenova, a global metals technology company with North American operations, to provide the ENERGIRON direct reduction technology for its proposed Ironworks I facility. Located in Louisiana, the plant will produce up to 2.5 million metric tons per year of hot and cold DRI. Tenova will begin front-end engineering design (FEED) as the project advances toward a final investment decision, currently expected in December 2027.

The facility will use the ENERGIRON Zero Reformer configuration, a direct reduction technology jointly developed by Tenova and Danieli. The plant will also incorporate the HYTEMP hot DRI transport system and be designed to accommodate future carbon caption integration. In addition, the facility includes provisions for future hydrogen use as Gulf Coast hydrogen infrastructure develops, providing flexibility for evolving feedstock and decarbonization strategies.

Michael DuBose, co-founder and president of NEMO Industries said recent market disruptions have underscored the need for a more resilient domestic pig iron supply chain. “Recent market disruptions including war, tariffs, and weather have reinforced the national security case for a resilient American pig iron supply,” DuBose said. “ENERGIRON DRI technology positions us to develop a pig iron facility that will strengthen the American steel supply chain and reduce our reliance on imported steel inputs.”

Stefano Maggiolino, president and CEO of Tenova HYL, said the project highlights how direct reduction technology can help manufacturers balance operational efficiency and sustainability goals. “It gives NEMO Industries the technical foundation in terms of capital and operating expenditures, carbon content, and sustainability to prove its DRI-based pig iron model,” he said.

Press release is available in its original form here.