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Century Enters Phase One of DOE Agreement for a New U.S. Smelter

Stacks of aluminum ingots marked with Century Aluminum logo© by Cantury Aluminum

Century Aluminum initiated Phase One of its Green Aluminum Smelter Project, as part of its four-phase agreement under a Department of Energy (DOE) grant initiative, originally granted in March 2024. Aluminum is a critical material for U.S. infrastructure and is used in a wide range of industries, from automotive to defense to architecture.

According to Century, this “contract underscores the importance of increasing domestic production to counteract vulnerabilities in global supply chains and mitigate the strategic risks posed by over reliance on imports, particularly from nations like China.”

“America’s ability to lead again on production of critical materials like aluminum is essential to safeguarding its economic sovereignty and reducing exposure to geopolitical adversaries who seek to dominate global supply chains,” said Joe Quinn, executive director, Center for Strategic Industrial Materials. “This announcement sends a strong market signal that the U.S. is prioritizing industrial resurgence in critical sectors and reinforcing its leadership in sustainable and strategic materials production.”

Phase One represents a pivotal step in the Green Aluminum Smelter Project, involving planning, permitting, design, and other development activities. In this phase, Century Aluminum will also determine and announce the location of the smelter and complete initial engineering studies for various aspects of the project. The company will also provide documentation and reports necessary to complete the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review, and engage community and labor stakeholders.

According to previous reports, the new smelter is likely to be located somewhere within the Ohio/Mississippi River Basins and will utilize advanced technologies to ensure a low-carbon footprint during operation. It is also expected to create more than 1,000 full-time jobs represented by the United Steelworkers and over 5,500 construction jobs.

If completed, the new smelter will be the first new primary aluminum smelter constructed in the U.S. in 45 years. This will revitalize that nation’s manufacturing capabilities, thus bolstering domestic aluminum manufacturing capacity, reducing reliance on imports, and fortifying critical supply chains integral to national security and economic growth.

SAFE is an action-oriented, nonpartisan organization committed to transportation, energy, and supply chain policies that advance the economic and national security of the United States, its partners, and allies. The organization noted, “SAFE continues to lead the conversation on metals production, energy policy, and trade resilience. As part of our mission, we remain focused on advancing policies that enhance America’s ability to produce critical materials domestically, supporting economic security, and safeguarding against foreign economic coercion.”

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