Inola aluminium smelter timeline stretches to April 2027 after new moratorium, US capacity push continues

The proposed USD 4 billion aluminium smelter in Inola, Oklahoma, has entered another review phase as the US continues efforts to strengthen domestic aluminium production. Inola town trustees have unanimously extended the moratorium on the project through April 7, 2027, giving the proposed development a longer pause as local concerns and legal challenges continue to be considered.

The latest decision extends the 60-day moratorium approved on June 29, which was originally due to expire on September 28. The town has also voted to put a proposed ordinance banning primary aluminium smelting within Inola city limits before voters on April 7, 2027.

Inola project comes after years of efforts to strengthen domestic aluminium manufacturing. Section 232 tariffs, introduced in 2018, aimed to reduce US dependence on imported aluminium. Tariffs were raised to 50 per cent in 2025 for imports from most countries. The proposed Inola investment adds to this push by bringing significant new primary production capacity to the country.

Why Inola matters for US aluminium 

Matt Aboud, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development for Century Aluminium, said Inola was selected for its land, energy, location next to a navigable river system, labour market and central location. Developers said the site met the key requirements for the large-scale facility.

The development is significant for the US aluminium industry. The Inola facility, being developed by Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Century Aluminum through Oklahoma Primary Aluminum, is planned to be the first new US primary aluminium smelter since 1980.

With projected annual production of more than 750,000 tonnes, the facility could double US primary aluminium production if completed.

The project has also received federal backing because of aluminium’s importance to automobiles, aircraft, electrical transmission and defence applications. The US Department of Justice has argued that the project could strengthen national and economic security, while the Department of Energy has partnered with the Department of Defense on the development.

Local opposition has nevertheless continued, including concerns from residents and ranchers and legal challenges over the project. The moratorium will remain in place until April 7, 2027, when the proposed aluminium production ban will also go before voters. 

Commitment to moving the project forward 

For the US aluminium industry, the Inola project represents an opportunity to add substantial new primary capacity at a time when domestic production is being prioritised. President Donald Trump backed the project by saying, “It will be the best anywhere in the world. They are very good for this country.” 

Continued opposition and delays could make that expansion more difficult, making constructive engagement, greater awareness among residents and progress through the regulatory process increasingly important.

Despite the setback, Oklahoma Primary Aluminum remains committed to moving the project forward. They said, “We intend to pursue these issues through the courts and continue to move forward with this important project.”

It also added, “The facility should be evaluated through the established regulatory process, allowing the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and US Environmental Protection Agency to fully review the project and make determinations based on science, evidence and applicable environmental standards.”