Major Aluminum Expansion in Oklahoma to Double U.S. Production Capacity
Aluminum | 2026-09-30 06:50:00
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.
By Paul Ploumis
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.
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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.
POLL
What milestone does the proposed Oklahoma Primary Aluminum (OPA) project represent for the U.S. manufacturing sector?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the primary objective and capacity of the Oklahoma Primary Aluminum (OPA) project?
The OPA project is designed to have an annual production capacity of 750,000 metric tons. It aims to significantly strengthen domestic metal manufacturing and reduce the United States' heavy reliance on imported primary aluminum by roughly 15%.
- What timeline has been established for the project's construction and operation?
Construction is anticipated to take place between 2027 and 2030—employing up to 4,000 workers during peak building phases—with the plant projected to reach full operational status by the third quarter of 2031.
- What are the projected economic benefits for Oklahoma and the broader U.S. economy?
Nationwide, the project is expected to support an average of 11,000 jobs annually and add $2.2 billion to the U.S. GDP each year. Within Oklahoma specifically, it will support around 7,000 jobs and contribute nearly $1.45 billion annually to the state's GDP.
