Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is pushing forward with a transformative project at its Middletown Works facility in Middletown, Ohio. The company has been in active negotiations with the Department of Energy to secure up to $500 million in funding to replace the current blast furnace with a Hydrogen-Ready Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) Plant and two Electric Melting Furnaces (EMF). This initiative, if awarded, will allow for the production of liquid steel using a more carbon-friendly approach, significantly reducing carbon emissions and positioning the facility as one of the most advanced and lowest GHG emitting in the world. The project's potential benefits are extensive, with projections of around $450 million in annual savings, flexibility in using natural gas or clean hydrogen as fuel sources, and the creation of new jobs, including 2,500 secure positions, 170 additional roles, and 1,200 construction jobs. This development aligns with Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.'s commitment to sustainability and investment in cutting-edge steel production technologies. By making use of union partnerships and leveraging existing infrastructure, the company plans to enhance production efficiency while maintaining steel quality and driving down costs. The $1.3 billion investment over five years demonstrates the company's dedication to advancing its operations in a sustainable manner, with a focus on reducing its environmental footprint and contributing positively to the local economy and workforce in Middletown, Ohio.