Oklahoma Plant to Revive U.S. Aluminum Production After 40 Years

INOLA, OK – February 09, 2026 – A quiet corner of northeast Oklahoma is set to become the epicenter of a major American industrial revival. Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Century Aluminum today confirmed a critical step forward for their planned primary aluminum production plant in Inola, selecting the global engineering giant Bechtel to lead preparatory engineering work. The project marks the first new primary aluminum smelter to be built in the United States in over four decades, signaling a monumental effort to reshore a critical manufacturing capability.

The joint venture, a partnership between UAE-based EGA and American producer Century Aluminum, aims to construct a facility that will effectively double the nation's current primary aluminum output. Bechtel's engagement involves designing the state-of-the-art plant with a focus on value and efficiency, paving the way for a final investment decision and the commencement of construction by the end of 2026.

“Building the first American primary aluminum production plant in decades is a transformative project for America’s industrial revival, the strong economic future of Inola and Oklahoma, and for our company,” said Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium. “Bechtel, with its leading experience in American industrial projects and aluminum projects around the world, will play a key role in the extensive work ongoing to make this project a reality.”

Reversing a Decades-Long Decline

The significance of the Inola project cannot be overstated when viewed against the backdrop of American industrial history. In 1980, the United States was a titan of aluminum production, producing 4.65 million metric tonnes and accounting for a third of the global market. Since then, the industry has experienced a precipitous decline, battered by high energy costs, aging infrastructure, and intense global competition.

Over the past 40 years, 28 U.S. aluminum smelters have shut their doors. By 2024, domestic primary production had dwindled to just 670,000 tons, less than 1% of global output. This has left the nation dependent on imports for approximately 85% of its primary aluminum needs—a stark vulnerability for a material deemed critical to national security, aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and the green energy transition.

The new Oklahoma facility is poised to reverse this trend single-handedly. Its creation represents a strategic move to bolster the domestic supply chain, reduce foreign reliance, and re-establish American leadership in a vital sector.

“The selection of Bechtel adds momentum to our project, meeting the urgency of our nation’s needs for this critical metal,” stated Jesse Gary, Chief Executive Officer of Century Aluminum. “We’re proud to mark this milestone with EGA and with Bechtel.”

An Economic Juggernaut for Oklahoma

For Inola and the surrounding Rogers County region, the project promises an economic transformation. The development is projected to create 1,000 permanent, high-skilled direct jobs at the facility, with an additional 4,000 jobs generated during the multi-year construction phase. The economic ripple effect is expected to be even broader, fostering a regional hub for aluminum-focused industries and supporting thousands of indirect jobs in supply chains and downstream manufacturing.

The plant will be strategically located at the industrial park at Tulsa Port of Inola, a prime location offering robust infrastructure, including access to rail and barge transportation via global waterways. This logistical advantage is key for efficiently moving raw materials and finished products, further enhancing the region's industrial appeal.

State officials have championed the project as a cornerstone of Oklahoma's strategy to become a leader in critical minerals and advanced manufacturing. The investment aligns with a broader vision of leveraging the state's resources and business-friendly environment to attract large-scale industrial developments that provide long-term economic stability and opportunity.

Advanced Technology Meets Environmental Responsibility

While traditional aluminum smelting is notoriously energy-intensive and carries a significant environmental footprint, the Inola project aims to set a new standard for sustainability. The plant will be built using EGA’s proprietary EX reduction technology, one of the most advanced and efficient smelting processes in the world.

This 10th-generation technology is engineered to produce more aluminum with less energy and lower emissions compared to legacy systems. EGA’s advancements have already reduced the electricity required per tonne of aluminum by over 37% since 1980. The EX technology is expected to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions per tonne by up to 12% compared to existing modern technologies, a crucial step in mitigating the plant's environmental impact.

Furthermore, the design incorporates advanced Industry 4.0 capabilities, utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and artificial intelligence to optimize processes, predict maintenance needs, and enhance operational efficiency. This data-driven approach positions the facility at the forefront of modern manufacturing.

Recognizing the importance of community and environmental stewardship, the project has enlisted ERM, a leading sustainability consultancy, to coordinate the public consultation and permitting processes. Bechtel is also exploring modular construction and pre-assembly strategies to minimize on-site disruption and enhance construction efficiency.

Ailie MacAdam, President of Bechtel Mining & Metals, commented on the firm's role: “We are bringing our experience in delivering U.S. megaprojects and our global track record in delivering aluminum facilities to help our customer move forward with confidence.”

As Bechtel begins its detailed engineering work, all eyes are on Inola. The project represents more than just a new factory; it is a convergence of international partnership, cutting-edge technology, and a renewed American ambition to build and secure its own industrial future.