Century Aluminum and EGA Partner to Build Largest U.S. Aluminum Smelter in 50 Years — Century Aluminum Company

Event summary

Century Aluminum and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) will build a 750,000-tonne-per-year aluminum smelter in Inola, Oklahoma, the first new U.S. smelter in nearly 50 years.
EGA will own 60% of the joint venture, with Century Aluminum holding the remaining 40%.
The plant is expected to create 1,000 permanent jobs and 4,000 construction jobs, with production slated to begin by the end of the decade.
The project will use EGA’s latest EX technology, the most advanced ever installed in the U.S.
Construction is expected to start by the end of 2026, with detailed engineering work already underway.

The big picture

This partnership marks a significant shift in U.S. aluminum production, addressing decades of import reliance. The project aligns with broader industrial policy goals to revitalize domestic manufacturing and critical mineral supply chains. The scale of the smelter—more than doubling current U.S. production—positions it as a potential game-changer for industries dependent on aluminum.

What we're watching

Execution Risk: Whether the joint venture can meet its ambitious construction and production timelines, given the scale and complexity of the project.
Market Impact: How the new smelter will affect U.S. aluminum supply dynamics and import dependence, particularly for critical industries like aerospace and defense.
Regulatory Dynamics: The pace at which regulatory approvals and power supply agreements progress, which could influence the project’s timeline and cost.