SteelCorr mill brings mixed reaction to Mississippi port

SteelCorr mill brings mixed reaction to Mississippi port

A plan to bring a new steel mill to northern Mississippi and extra business to the State Port at Gulfport has a few feathers ruffled. The Mississippi Development Authority has requested port officials look into handling iron ore shipments. The shipments would be delivered in bulk rather than in containers. That plan has raised a few eyebrows with tourism officials who fear visitors enjoying river cruises will be confronted by ugly piles of pig iron. Meanwhile, the port is looking for ways to handle the estimated extra 800'000 tons per year without creating an eyesore. There is hope the extra ore can be offloaded via a method called discrete discharge whereby materials are immediately moved from ship to barge to rail. State officials are quick to point out the immediate benefits that such an opportunity would bring in terms of income and jobs. The mill, owned by SteelCorr, will be constructed in nearby Columbus, Mississippi and create 450 new jobs. It is expected to be completed in two years.