Century Aluminum prepares for next phase of $4B Oklahoma smelter, targets 2030 production

Century Aluminum’s proposed USD 4 billion primary aluminum smelter in Inola, Oklahoma, is “moving forward on all fronts” as the company prepares for construction, despite local opposition and legal challenges, CEO Jesse Gary said during the company’s third-quarter earnings call.

Developed jointly by Century Aluminum and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the project is designed to produce 750,000 tonnes of primary aluminum annually, potentially doubling U.S. primary aluminum production. The facility is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs and add USD 1.5 billion to Oklahoma’s gross domestic product, according to company estimates.

The partners had targeted construction to begin by the end of 2026. However, local restrictions and permitting challenges have affected the schedule. The latest project timeline places the start of civil works in the second quarter of 2027, with first hot metal expected between mid- and late 2030.

Explore the production, demand and consumption forecasts of bauxite and alumina in our report: "Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook"

CEO Gary said, “We’re trying to address and answer questions as they come up, and keep the project on track and moving forward.” He added that financial discussions, power contract negotiations, and engineering plans were progressing. However, he did not provide a revised construction schedule during the call but said he expected to share details of Century Aluminum’s 2027 plans in February.

Challenges

The project has faced opposition from local officials and community members over health and environmental concerns. In September, the Inola Town Council extended a moratorium on heavy industrial construction until April 7, 2027. A referendum is also planned for the same date, allowing residents to vote on a proposed ban on aluminum smelting in the town.

The Tulsa-Rogers County Port Authority has also taken legal action over the project, while the Cherokee Nation has approved a resolution opposing the smelter, pending a full tribal council vote.

Century Aluminum has taken steps to address environmental and regulatory concerns. In September, the company submitted an updated environmental plan to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, committing to reduce permitted fluoride emissions by 37 percent. It has also started working with Tulsa Innovation Labs on workforce development for the project.

Find the right unwrought aluminium for your business. Browse a comprehensive list of primary aluminium products on AL Biz.

Company expects continued support

Gary remained optimistic about continued bipartisan support for the Inola smelter, noting that the revival of U.S. manufacturing had backing from both Republicans and Democrats.

“When complete, it will be among the most efficient and advanced smelters in the world and a crown jewel of the U.S. industrial base,” Gary said.

He also expressed support for Oklahoma governor-elect Mike Mazzei, saying that the company expected “broad-based support across the aisle” for the project to continue.

Showcase your brand, aluminium recycling initiatives and sustainability vision in our upcoming magazine: Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium’s Commitment 2026.

Q3 shipments rise as facilities return to full production

Century Aluminum reported higher shipments and improved earnings sequentially in the third quarter, supported by increased production across its facilities.

Aluminum shipments reached 173,483 tonnes, up 32.80 percent from 130,632 tonnes in the previous quarter. The company attributed the increase in sales and net income to the restart of a production line at its Grundartangi facility in Iceland and favorable metal prices.

Gary said the company had returned to full production capacity across its assets for the first time in more than a decade, generating quarterly sales of nearly USD 1 billion.

This helped offset operational instability at its Mt. Holly facility in South Carolina following a restart in July. Gary said the plant was expected to return to normal production volumes and product mix during the fourth quarter.

Regarding the Q4 results, Century Aluminum expects adjusted EBITDA of between USD 275 million and USD 300 million.