Oklahoma Primary Aluminum, the joint venture between Century Aluminum and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), released a new study highlighting the potential economic impact of its planned aluminum smelter in Inola, Oklahoma. These impacts include thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity.
“Oklahoma Primary Aluminum is a transformative, multi-generational economic opportunity not just for Inola, but for Rogers County, northeast Oklahoma and the state as a whole,” said Ziad Fares, Project Director for Oklahoma Primary Aluminum. “Many states across America competed to secure our project because they recognized the significant contribution it would make to their own economic growth. We chose Oklahoma because of the state’s ambition for landmark industrial projects to drive prosperity and progress. That ambition is what is at stake as we strive to move this project forward in Inola.”
First Smelter in Over 40 Years
Combining the strengths of Century Aluminum and EGA, the new $4 billion primary aluminum facility will be the first new primary aluminum production plant to be constructed in the U.S. since 1980. The smelter will have a 750,000 tonnes of production, effectively doubling the national production capacity and significantly reducing U.S. reliance on imported aluminum.
The project is expected to catalyze a fully integrated aluminum ecosystem in the local area. For example, U.S. Aluminum Company, a new venture, announced plans to explore the development of an aluminum manufacturing plant near the new smelter. In addition, an estimated $400–$500 million in additional regional infrastructure investments – funded separately through federal grants and state incentives— support port upgrades, wastewater treatment, and a new electric substation, strengthening the Tulsa Port of Inola and creating benefits for the surrounding region.
Oklahoma Primary Aluminum will implement some of the industry most advanced technology, including EGA’s proprietary EX reduction cell technology, which is designed to improve energy efficiency and ensure the plant meets rigorous environmental safety requirements. As a result, the project is expected to set a new standard for safe, efficient and environmentally responsible primary aluminum production.
Designed with enclosed production units, continuous monitoring, and advanced scrubbers that capture and recycle 99% of process fluoride, the facility recently announced it would meet the lowest fluoride emissions intensity limits for a U.S. primary aluminum plant. It will operate under strict oversight from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Economic Impact
According to the study, Oklahoma Primary Aluminum is projected to contribute approximately $49 billion in total cumulative impact to Oklahoma’s economy through 2060. It is expected to deliver high-demand manufacturing careers, generating approximately 7,000 Oklahoma jobs on average per year, peaking at more than 10,600 jobs in 2029 as construction winds down and hiring for operations ramps up.
The project will develop workforce pipelines by building tailored partnerships with regional educational institutions, such as Rogers State University, Oklahoma State University, Northeast Tech, and Tulsa Technology Center to establish technical training programs, pre-apprenticeship pathways and advanced engineering degrees.
“This project represents a generational opportunity to create thousands of good-paying jobs, strengthen Oklahoma communities and bring critical manufacturing back to America,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “The economic impact in this study shows what is possible when companies choose to invest in Oklahoma. We can and must continue to listen to all Oklahomans while ensuring Oklahoma remains a place where job creators can count on clear rules and a fair, consistent process.”
Other economic benefits include:
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The single site in Inola will add $1.45 billion to Oklahoma’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year on average, representing nearly 0.7% of the state’s entire economy. Nationally, the project is expected to contribute an average of $2.2 billion to U.S. GDP.
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The facility and its associated supply chains will deliver $911 million in direct, indirect and induced household income to Oklahoma families every year.
“This is the largest single economic development project in Oklahoma history, and this study shows the generational impact Oklahoma Primary Aluminum will have on our state,” said John Budd, CEO of Oklahoma Commerce. “Not only does it further solidify Oklahoma as a national leader in onshoring critical mineral supply chains and manufacturing, but it also creates new opportunities for future generations of Oklahomans while being developed with the highest standards for safety and in full compliance with all state and federal regulations.”
Read the full economic report.