Century Aluminum CEO on New Oklahoma Plant to Reduce China Reliance

New US Aluminum Smelter

• 🇺🇸 Century Aluminum is partnering with Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) to build the first US smelter in nearly 50 years, located in Inola, Oklahoma.
• 🏭 The new facility is expected to produce 750,000 tons of aluminum annually, more than doubling current US production.
• 💰 The project represents the single largest investment in the US aluminum sector, with EGA owning 60% and Century Aluminum 40% of the venture.

Economic and Job Impact

• 👷‍♂️ The plant will create over 1,000 permanent jobs and an additional 4,000 American construction jobs.
• 📈 This expansion is part of Century Aluminum's broader strategy to increase US production, including a 10% expansion at their South Carolina smelter.

Government Support and Tariffs

• 💡 A $500 million grant from the Department of Energy will support the construction of the new smelter.
• ⚖️ The speaker credits Section 232 tariffs, implemented during President Trump's first term, with helping to revive the US aluminum industry, which had declined from 30 smelters to just four.

Strategic Importance of Aluminum

• ✈️ Aluminum is a crucial component in numerous sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and national defense (e.g., tank armor, fighter jet bulkheads).
• ⚠️ The US currently ranks 12th globally in aluminum production, with approximately 85% of its needs met by foreign imports, highlighting a critical supply chain vulnerability.
• 🌏 Reducing reliance on countries like China is essential for economic competitiveness and national security.

Future Outlook and Sustainability

• 🤝 Governor Stit of Oklahoma is recognized as a key partner in bringing the smelter to the state, fostering a potential new aluminum cluster.
• ⏳ The investment is considered sustainable for decades, with expectations for the smelter to operate for 50 to 100 years.