Cherokee Nation considers vote opposing Inola smelter project

Aluminum  |  2026-11-02 04:07:40   |   By

But it’s been met with opposition, including from residents of the northeastern Oklahoma town, who garnered an initiative petition to vote on the project next spring.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Tribal Council of the Cherokee Nation is preparing to vote on a proposed resolution to oppose the $4 billion aluminum smelter in Inola.

The Cherokee Nation Rules Committee voted unanimously in support of a resolution formally opposing the controversial aluminum smelter. The Tulsa Flyer reported three council members, Joe Deere, Johnny Kidwell and Julia Coates, sponsored the resolution, which is in support of the neighboring Muscogee Nation. The Muscogee National Council voted in July to formally oppose the project that has the support of President Trump Gov. Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma state government. The smelter, proposed as a joint venture between Emirates Global Aluminum and U.S.-based Century Aluminum, would not be located in the Cherokee reservation.

“Tribal consultation needs to be the first thing (to) happen, no matter what it is. Doesn’t matter how much money is on the table, who’s getting phone calls behind the scenes. It’s about our people that we represent,” said Joe Deere.

But it’s been met with opposition, including from residents of the northeastern Oklahoma town, who garnered an initiative petition to vote on the project next spring. That petition, however, is being challenged by the City of Tulsa–Rogers County Port Authority.

In July, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. released a statement expressing concern over the smelter and called on officials to consult tribal nations in the process.

Courtesy: www.okenergytoday.com