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Hyundai-POSCO Louisiana Steel Receives Air Permit Amid Environmental Concerns
Louisiana regulators have approved the final air permit for Hyundai-POSCO's planned steel mill in Ascension Parish, advancing a major U.S. manufacturing project. Environmental groups continue to raise pollution concerns, while the company targets 2029 production and more than 1,300 permanent jobs.
By Paul Ploumis
Published: October 29, 2026
Key Points
- Air permit: Louisiana regulators approve the final permit for Hyundai-POSCO's Ascension Parish steel mill.
- Environmental concerns: The Sierra Club calls for further electrification and a firm green hydrogen commitment.
- Production: The facility targets 2.7 million metric tons of annual steel output beginning in Q1 2029.
- Employment: More than 1,300 direct jobs are projected, with recruitment already underway.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) has approved the final air permit for Hyundai-POSCO Louisiana Steel's planned mill in the Modeste area of Ascension Parish, marking a significant regulatory milestone for the project.
The approval follows a September 4 groundbreaking ceremony at the 1,700-acre site, which will anchor the 17,000-acre RiverPlex MegaPark along the Mississippi River north of Donaldsonville.
Environmental Groups Continue to Raise Concerns
The project has faced opposition from environmental and community organizations, including the Sierra Club, over potential air pollution, community impacts and public financial incentives.
Matthew Miles Goodrich, director of the Sierra Club's Industrial Transformation Campaign, acknowledged improvements made to the facility's plans but called for additional electrification and a firm commitment to green hydrogen to further reduce emissions.
The concerns have been raised through public hearings and statements throughout the permitting process.
Separately, the Louisiana State Bond Commission approved up to $1.3 billion in tax-exempt financing for the project in September.
Steel Production and Hiring Target 2029 Startup
Hyundai-POSCO expects its facility to begin operating in the first quarter of 2029, following construction scheduled through the end of 2028.
Once operational, the mill is designed to produce 2.7 million metric tons of steel annually and create more than 1,300 direct jobs, alongside thousands of indirect employment opportunities.
The company has opened recruitment for nearly 40 positions and aims to employ up to 300 workers by the end of 2027.
A new River Parishes Community College workforce training center is also under construction along Highway 945 in Donaldsonville, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2028.
ScrapMonster Edge: Air Permit Advances Project, but Production Remains Years Away
The air permit removes a key regulatory obstacle following September's ceremonial groundbreaking, but it does not mean the mill is operational or that environmental concerns have been resolved.
Hyundai-POSCO's planned 2.7 million metric tons of annual steel capacity represents future production, not current output.
Industry significance: The next milestones are construction progress, workforce development and commissioning. The project's eventual effect on regional steel and metallic raw-material markets will depend on its successful startup and actual operating requirements.
Courtesy: www.weeklycitizen.com
