Sources: Pacific Steel Group, San Diego; CP staff
Pacific Steel Group recently broke ground at a 174-acre Mojave, Calif. site for a mill with annual #3-#11 concrete rebar capacity of 380,000 tons, abiding a schedule outlined in 2022. The Golden State’s first new steelmaking operation in 50 years is dubbed the Mojave Micro Mill, owing to its Danieli MIDA Hybrid continuous feed equipment. Pennsylvania-based Danieli Corp. cites MIDA “endless” casting and rolling efficiencies, plus lower energy consumption absent a second heating phase common in traditional rebar production. Renewable energy sources will directly power the Mojave Micro Mill electric arc furnace and supporting equipment. An advanced carbon capture system, secondary high-efficiency filtration, and NOx emissions mitigation will contribute to the facility’s environmental profile.
“Pacific Steel Group’s Mojave Micro Mill highlights the California way to green manufacturing. This project is setting the standard for the steel industry by utilizing onsite renewable energy to produce green rebar with a significantly lower carbon footprint,” says California Air Resources Board Chair Liane Randolph. “It’s a shining example of how California continues to lead the nation in driving sustainable innovation.”
“This represents a culmination of nearly five years of work and is the first tangible step toward full vertical integration of our reinforcing steel operations,” adds Pacific Steel Group CEO Eric Benson. “I am confident this project will further strengthen our position as the market leader and ensure our competitiveness for many years.”
“Pacific Steel Group’s investment in Kern County is more than just the construction of a steel mill—it’s a transformational step forward for our local economy and workforce. The Mojave Micro Mill represents the future of American manufacturing, producing seismic-grade, green rebar right here,” concludes Kern County District 2 Supervisor Chris Parlier. “With over $600 million invested and more than 400 permanent jobs created, this project reinforces our position as the epicenter of industrial innovation in California.”