Century Aluminum Company has announced plans to restart over 50,000 mt of idled production at its Mt. Holly, SC smelter. Part of a $50 million investment, the effort will create over 100 jobs and boost U.S. domestic aluminum production by almost 10%.
CEO
Century Aluminum
The restart will enable the plant to achieve full production (up from current 75%) by June 30, 2026. The restart follows President Donald’s Trump’s tariffs for primary aluminum, most recently increasing the tariffs to 50% on aluminum imports without exceptions or exemptions.
“Our team stands ready to continue leading the resurgence of domestic primary aluminum, starting with bringing our Mt. Holly smelter back to full production.” said CEO of Century Aluminum Company, Jesse Gary.
The restart was made possible with the help of South Carolina Public Service Authority (Santee Cooper), Mt. Holly’s power supplier. The parties extended the current contract through 2031 to purchase the additional power necessary for the restart. The final details of the restart will be subject to a definitive agreement with Santee Cooper, along with confirmation of economic incentives provided by Berkeley County and the state of South Carolina.
Century Aluminum is an integrated producer of bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminum products. At full capacity, Mt. Holly smelter has an economic impact of over $890 million annually in the state of South Carolina. Century is the largest producer of primary aluminum in the United States, and operates production facilities in Iceland, the Netherlands, and Jamaica.
Press release is available in its original form here.
