A First in 50 Years: A New Generation Aluminium Giant Rises in the United States

A historic investment with the potential to reshape the global aluminium industry is set to become a reality in the United States. Developed through a partnership between Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Century Aluminum, a new primary aluminium smelter planned for Inola, Oklahoma, will become the first new aluminium smelter built in the United States in nearly half a century.

With an estimated investment value of approximately $4 billion, the project is expected to reach an annual production capacity of 750,000 tonnes upon completion, making it one of the largest primary aluminium production facilities in U.S. history. This capacity represents more than double the country's current primary aluminium output and is expected to significantly reduce America's dependence on imported aluminium. Today, a substantial portion of U.S. aluminium demand is met through imports, making domestic production a strategic priority for both industry and government.

The new facility will utilize EGA's next-generation smelting technology, designed to deliver higher efficiency, lower emissions, and enhanced operational performance. Sustainability, energy efficiency, and low-carbon production are central to the project's development strategy. Once operational, the smelter will provide a reliable supply of aluminium for key industries including automotive, aerospace, defense, construction, and renewable energy, sectors where aluminium continues to play an increasingly strategic role.

Beyond its industrial significance, the investment is expected to generate considerable economic benefits. The project is anticipated to create approximately 1,000 permanent jobs and more than 4,000 construction-related positions during the development phase. Supported by Oklahoma's strong energy infrastructure and logistical advantages, the region is expected to emerge as a major hub for aluminium production and advanced manufacturing in North America.

As sustainability, supply chain security, and domestic production of critical materials become increasingly important worldwide, the EGA-Century Aluminum partnership represents far more than a new manufacturing facility. It marks a strategic turning point for the global aluminium industry. Once operational, the smelter is expected to establish new benchmarks for production capacity, supply security, and low-carbon aluminium manufacturing, helping shape the future of the sector for decades to come.