Oklahoma AG Files Lawsuit Against $4 Billion Aluminum Smelter
Aluminum | 2026-06-16 06:05:18
The smelter would more than double current U.S. primary aluminum production capacity, in addition to creating approximately 1,000 permanent jobs and 4,000 construction jobs.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a lawsuit seeking to stop construction of the proposed $4 billion smelter in Inola- a major aluminum manufacturing project by Century Aluminum in partnership with Aluminum Oklahoma LLC.
According to the lawsuit, filed in Rogers County District Court, the facility poses significant environmental and public health risks. It cites concerns over potential air pollution, hazardous waste generation, and impacts on nearby agricultural operations.
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The facility, a joint venture between Century Aluminum and UAE-based Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), is expected to produce more than 750,000 metric tons of primary aluminum per annum. The smelter would more than double current U.S. primary aluminum production capacity, in addition to creating approximately 1,000 permanent jobs and 4,000 construction jobs.
In his filing, Drummond highlights that primary aluminum smelting is among the most emission-intensive industrial activities and warns about the potential harmful health impacts of pollutants such as hydrogen fluoride emissions.
The petition also states that the facility’s projected high electricity demand could place additional pressure on regional power infrastructure and lead to a rise in electricity costs.
The project, initially targeted to begin construction by the end of 2026, now faces potential delays due to the legal dispute.
POLL
What is the primary issue driving opposition to the proposed Inola aluminum smelter?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who filed the lawsuit against the proposed aluminum smelter?
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed the lawsuit in Rogers County District Court.
- Which companies are developing the project?
The smelter is being developed by Century Aluminum in partnership with Emirates Global Aluminium through Aluminum Oklahoma LLC.
- What is the planned production capacity of the smelter?
The facility is expected to produce more than 750,000 metric tons of primary aluminum annually.
