Century Aluminum and EGA Launch First U.S. Primary Aluminum Smelter in 45 Years
Event summary
- Century Aluminum and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) celebrated the launch of the first U.S. primary aluminum smelter in over 45 years.
- The project, located in Inola, Oklahoma, is expected to create 5,000 jobs and establish the area as a critical metals hub.
- CEOs Abdulnasser Bin Kalban (EGA) and Jesse Gary (Century) met with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright to highlight the partnership.
- The smelter features state-of-the-art technology and aims to support American industries with domestically produced aluminum.
The big picture
The launch of this smelter aligns with broader U.S. industrial policy efforts to revitalize domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign critical minerals. The project underscores the strategic importance of aluminum in key industries, including aerospace and defense, while testing the viability of large-scale industrial investments in the current economic climate.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Tailwinds
- How U.S. energy policies will support or hinder domestic aluminum production.
- Execution Risk
- The pace at which the smelter reaches full operational capacity and meets job creation targets.
- Market Dynamics
- Whether the project can sustain long-term competitiveness amid global aluminum supply shifts.