Oklahoma Aluminum Plant to Double U.S. Production Capacity, Create 11,000 Jobs

Aluminum | 2026-09-30 05:55:59 | By Paul Ploumis

According to the study, the project will support an average of 11,000 jobs nationwide annually and contribute $2.2 billion to U.S. GDP each year.

Summary

Historic Greenfield Project: Sponsored by Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Century Aluminum Company, the Oklahoma Primary Aluminum (OPA) project in Inola will be the first new primary aluminum plant built in the U.S. in over 40 years.
Reducing Import Reliance: Once fully operational by Q3 2031 with a capacity of 750,000 metric tons per year, the facility aims to nearly double U.S. primary aluminum production and cut import dependence by about 15%.
Massive Economic Impact: The September 2026 study highlights that the project will create 1,000 permanent direct jobs, support 11,000 jobs nationwide annually, and contribute $2.2 billion to the U.S. GDP each year.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): A proposed multibillion-dollar aluminum smelter in northeastern Oklahoma is expected to significantly strengthen domestic metal production while generating substantial economic benefits across the United States, according to an economic impact study report.

The Oklahoma Primary Aluminum (OPA) project, jointly sponsored by Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Century Aluminum Company, will have an annual production capacity of 750,000 metric tons. Located at the Tulsa Port of Inola in Rogers County, the facility would become the first greenfield primary aluminum plant constructed in the country in more than 40 years.

The September 2026 economic impact study stated that the development could nearly double existing U.S. primary aluminum production capacity and reduce import dependence by approximately 15% once fully operational. The country currently imports around 85% of its primary aluminum requirements.

The project is expected to generate approximately 1,000 permanent direct positions. Also, construction activities between 2027 and 2030 could employ up to 4,000 workers. The facility is expected to reach full production by Q3 2031.

According to the study, the project will support an average of 11,000 jobs nationwide annually and contribute $2.2 billion to U.S. GDP each year. Also, Oklahoma alone will support approximately 7,000 jobs and contribute nearly $1.45 billion to annual GDP.