Question:

What is this project and what will it bring to the community?

Answer:

This project is about creating long-term jobs, strengthening America's manufacturing industry and national defense, and doing so in a way that respects Oklahoma’s communities, workers and natural resources. The project will develop the first new primary aluminum plant in the United States since 1980 at the Tulsa Port of Inola.

Question:

Why was Inola chosen for this project?

Answer:

Tulsa Port of Inola was selected as the ideal location for long-term success based on its infrastructure, Oklahoma’s abundant energy, the state’s skilled workforce, river access and the state’s goal of transformative industrial projects as foundations of future economic growth.

Question:

Where are you in the planning and development process right now?

Answer:

We are conducting environmental surveys and studies as part of the permitting process and expect to begin early site prep by the end of 2026.

Question:

How will you keep the community informed as the project moves forward?

Answer:

The project is committed to engaging the community throughout its entire lifecycle through a variety of formal and informal opportunities, including listening sessions, information meetings, the project website, social media pages, and more.

All required regulatory public meeting notifications, and information about additional engagement opportunities will be shared through the project website, social media, notices posted at local businesses, and by U.S. Postal Service as appropriate. This ensures everyone has a chance to provide input before key decisions are made.

Facebook: facebook.com/OklahomaPrimaryAluminum

Question:

What technologies or modern practices will make this facility different from older smelters?

Answer:

The last aluminum smelter built in the United States was in 1980, which happens to be the same year that EGA started to develop its own aluminum smelting technology. Since then, EGA has progressed through 10 technology generations, and is now the global leader with technology that is amongst the most advanced in the industry. For example, our technological advancements have reduced electricity use per ton of aluminum by 37.5%, improving both efficiency and sustainability.

Additionally, environmental management systems have come a long way. Unlike smelters constructed in the 1980s, the new facility will be a modern, highly controlled plant with multiple safeguards:

• Enclosed potlines with advanced hooding systems – production units will be covered and fitted with ventilation hoods that capture and filter gases and dust at the source, similar to how a kitchen stove hood traps steam and smoke.
• Scrubbing systems – act like giant air filters that remove gases and dust from exhaust, similar to how a vacuum cleaner traps dust so it doesn’t blow back into the room.
• Continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) – automated instruments that track pollutants in real time, like a 24/7 air quality monitor, ensuring emissions stay within strict U.S. limits and are reported to regulators.
• Energy-efficient EX smelting technology – reduces emissions and energy use while producing more aluminium per unit of energy, making the process cleaner and more efficient.
• Advanced storage and transport of raw materials – all materials are kept in enclosed storage areas, silos, and covered conveyor belts preventing dust from escaping and protecting the surrounding community.

This combination of modern technology and strict environmental management makes modern aluminium smelters much safer, cleaner, and more efficient than older facilities.

Question:

Will this facility affect my health?

Answer:

The purpose of environmental permitting and ongoing environmental monitoring and reporting is to ensure that an industrial operation does not affect health or safety of workers, nearby communities or nature. This project is being built with EGA’s highly-advanced smelting technology and with the best available emissions reduction and control technologies. EGA has successfully operated a larger aluminum smelter for almost 50 years within the city limits of Dubai with tens of thousands of people living closer than the nearest neighbor in Inola.

Question:

What additional steps will be taken to make sure the local health risk stays low?

Answer:

Before construction may begin, the aluminum industry (like other large industrial operators), must prove that the air around the facility will remain safe to breathe once operational. Experts use computer models to show that all emissions will stay below strict limits designed to protect both human health and the environment. This modelling is verified as part of the permitting process, ensuring community risk stays low before the facility even starts operating.

Question:

Will my health be impacted if I swim in or fish from local river?

Answer:

The facility will be designed so that industrial process water will not be discharged into the local environment. The facility will therefore have no direct impact on the local river water.

Question:

How does an aluminium smelter differ from smaller businesses in terms of regulation?

Answer:

Aluminum smelters operate under a very comprehensive regulatory framework. Before construction or operation can begin, the facility must obtain multiple permits, including detailed air emissions approvals, undergo extensive technical review, and demonstrate that it can meet strict environmental and safety standards.

Once operational, large industrial facilities are subject to ongoing oversight, including regular inspections, continuous monitoring, and reporting requirements designed to ensure emissions remain within permitted limits and that the facility operates responsibly.

Like many types of businesses, industrial facilities must follow regulations that reflect the scale and nature of their operations. For aluminum smelters, this means a high level of regulatory scrutiny intended to protect the environment, workers, and the surrounding community.

Our approach is to meet, and where possible exceed, applicable regulatory requirements while continuing to listen to community feedback as the project moves forward.

Question:

Will the facility generate odors?

Answer:

Modern aluminum production facilities are not typically associated with odor generation. Any potential odor sources such as sewage water will be managed through the wastewater treatment plant.

Question:

Will there be any traffic and road impacts from the project?

Answer:

During construction and operations, most materials will be moved by river barges and rail, with some road transportation used where necessary. In operation, conveyor belts will carry materials from the river docks to the plant, keeping road traffic low. For comparison, large warehouses or retail centers often generate hundreds or thousands of truck trips each day. The traffic resulting from this facility is expected to have a significantly smaller impact on local roads.

Question:

Is there enough electricity to power the facility?

Answer:

EGA’s industry leading-technology reduces the amount of electricity needed to make each ton of aluminum. The project is currently negotiating a long-term Electricity Supply Agreement with PSO (Public Service Company of Oklahoma) and the utility’s generation providers are working to increase grid capacity.

Question:

Why do we need to make aluminum in the US?

Answer:

Roughly 80 percent of all aluminum used in the U.S. is imported, and this project will strengthen American manufacturing by securing a reliable domestic supply. Aluminum made in Oklahoma will support critical American industries including aerospace, automotive, construction, energy and national defense.

Question:

Why did EGA partner with Century Aluminum?

Answer:

The partnership combines EGA’s world-class expertise in aluminum smelting design and technology, construction and operation with Century’s extensive history and expertise operating aluminum smelters in the United States utilizing domestic supply chains.

Question:

Do foreign companies have to follow US laws?

Answer:

Yes. The project will be fully subject to U.S. laws and regulations.

Question:

How can I apply for a job?

Answer:

We expect the project to create around 4,000 construction jobs, most of which will be filled by contractors and subcontractors, creating opportunities for local workers and businesses. We will encourage contractors to hire locally whenever possible.

Following construction, we anticipate hiring for operations roles will begin closer to the start of production. While recruitment has not started yet, job openings will be posted in the careers section of our website. We will prioritize hiring local people and look forward to connecting with qualified applicants from the community when opportunities become available.