EGA, Century Aluminum Launch First U.S. Smelter in 50 Years

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting

The global aluminum industry is entering a new phase as Emirates Global Aluminium and Century Aluminum have agreed to develop the first new primary aluminum production facility in the United States since 1980. The joint venture project, named Oklahoma Primary Aluminum, is expected to significantly expand domestic production capacity and strengthen the country’s aluminum supply chain.

Under the agreement, Emirates Global Aluminium will hold a 60% ownership stake in the project, while Century Aluminum will own the remaining share. The facility will be constructed in Inola and is projected to produce approximately 750,000 tonnes of aluminum annually a capacity larger than originally planned. Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2026, with initial production anticipated before the end of the decade.

The project is expected to double U.S. primary aluminum output and position Oklahoma as a central hub for aluminum-related manufacturing activities.

Strengthening Domestic Supply Chains

Industry leaders view the initiative as a strategic step toward reinforcing domestic aluminum production. According to Century Aluminum CEO Jesse Gary, establishing an aluminum hub in Oklahoma will help strengthen supply chains for a metal that plays a critical role in American industries. The project is also expected to stimulate infrastructure investment and encourage growth across related sectors.

The new facility is projected to create approximately 1,000 permanent jobs and about 4,000 construction jobs, contributing to regional economic development while supporting long-term industrial expansion.

Expansion into Downstream Manufacturing

In addition to the smelter development, the U.S. Aluminum Company has signed an agreement with Emirates Global Aluminium and Century Aluminum to explore the construction of an aluminum fabrication plant near the proposed smelter.

The proposed fabrication facility would process liquid aluminum into finished products for industries including electrical equipment, defense, aerospace, automotive, and machinery manufacturing. The initiative aims to create an integrated aluminum production ecosystem centered around the Oklahoma site.

EGA CEO Abdulnasser Bin Kalban emphasized that the project could help establish Oklahoma particularly Inola as one of the leading locations for aluminum manufacturing in the United States. The downstream agreement represents an early step toward building a broader aluminum production network even before the smelter is completed.

Scalable Infrastructure for Long-Term Growth

The Oklahoma Primary Aluminum project represents a long-term investment in domestic manufacturing capacity. By combining primary production with potential downstream processing facilities, the initiative is designed to improve operational efficiency and reduce supply chain complexity.

The large-scale production capacity and integrated manufacturing approach position the project as a significant milestone for the U.S. aluminum sector, supporting both industrial growth and employment generation.

Industry Outlook and Strategic Perspective

According to Next Move Strategy Consulting, investments in primary aluminum market facilities are becoming increasingly important as industries seek stronger and more localized supply chains. The development of new smelting capacity and downstream manufacturing infrastructure is expected to support long-term stability in aluminum availability while enabling growth across key industrial sectors. Projects such as Oklahoma Primary Aluminum reflect a broader shift toward reinforcing domestic production capabilities and expanding industrial ecosystems around critical materials.

Advancing the Future of U.S. Aluminum

The collaboration between Emirates Global Aluminium and Century Aluminum marks a major development for the aluminum industry. By introducing new smelting capacity and exploring downstream manufacturing opportunities, the project represents a significant step toward revitalizing domestic aluminum production.

With construction planned to begin in 2026 and production targeted before the end of the decade, the Oklahoma facility is set to play a central role in shaping the future of aluminum manufacturing in the United States.

Source: The Northern Miner

Prepared by: Next Move Strategy Consulting