Jesse Gary

Century Aluminum Company has emphasized that next-generation EX smelting technology will be critical to the development of its new primary aluminum smelter, one of the most advanced technologies deployed in the U.S. This platform is designed to improve productivity, reduce energy consumption per ton, and lower emissions, reinforcing both economic competitiveness and environmental performance in primary aluminum manufacturing.

Planned for Inola, Oklahoma, at the Tulsa Port of Inola industrial park, the proposed facility is expected to produce up to 750,000 metric tons of primary aluminum annually, more than doubling current U.S. smelting capacity once fully operational. Century Aluminum will partner with Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) on the project, with EGA contributing its proprietary EX smelting technology and holding a majority ownership stake, while Century Aluminum provides operational expertise and leadership in the U.S.-based aluminum production. The project aims to strengthen material availability for downstream manufacturers serving automotive, aerospace, energy, and defense markets.

“Our partner EGA brings world-class smelting technology and construction expertise that are fast-tracking our collective efforts to realize a new era of domestic primary aluminum production,” said Jesse Gary, chief executive officer of Century Aluminum Company. “This expanded production will benefit critical U.S. industries and create thousands of American manufacturing jobs, reinforcing the vital role of aluminum in national defense and economic vitality.”

EX technology is EGA’s next-generation smelting platform, featuring reduction cells that provide higher productivity per square meter than EGA’s previous DX+ Ultra technology. The cells are larger and have improved current efficiency, enabling greater aluminum production from each smelting cell. The technology supports more cost-effective aluminum production with lower emissions intensity, reinforcing the project’s operational and environmental goals.

The use of EX technology also positions the project within the broader global landscape of aluminum smelting innovation, strengthening its appeal as an alternative source of advanced smelting capability at a time when governments and manufacturers are increasingly focused on supply chain resilience, domestic capacity, and technology diversification. EGA’s own communications highlight EX as a key step toward large-scale industrialization and a foundation for future growth as a smelting technology provider of choice in the global aluminum industry.

Construction is expected to begin as early as 2026, with commercial production anticipated before the end of the decade. Once completed, the facility is expected to support approximately 1,000 permanent direct jobs and support roughly 4,000 construction roles, while helping reduce reliance on imported aluminum and reinforcing domestic manufacturing capabilities. Industry leaders have described the project as a critical step toward rebuilding U.S. primary aluminum production and supporting long-term supply stability for North American manufacturers.

Press release is available in its original form here. Additional information comes from EGA’s June 2025 press release here.