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# Century Aluminum's Oklahoma Project Advances Amid Community Concerns
- URL: https://www.industrialbriefs.com/century-aluminum-oklahoma-project-advances/
- Published: 2026-11-11T04:01:05.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-11T04:01:04.000Z
- Description: Century Aluminum's $4 billion smelter project in Oklahoma progresses despite local opposition, promising to double U.S. aluminum production and create jobs.
- Author: IndustrialBriefs
- Tags: manufacturing, government

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Century Aluminum's ambitious $4 billion project to build the largest primary aluminum smelter in the United States is progressing despite facing local opposition and legal challenges. CEO Jesse Gary, during a recent earnings call, reaffirmed the company's commitment to the Inola, Oklahoma initiative, which aims to double U.S. primary aluminum production. This development is significant for the U.S. manufacturing sector, promising substantial economic benefits and job creation.

**What Happened**  
Century Aluminum, in partnership with Emirates Global Aluminum, is preparing for the construction of a major aluminum smelter in Inola, Oklahoma. The project is designed to bring high-purity aluminum production back to the U.S., supported by both federal and state incentives. Despite the robust backing, local resistance has emerged, with the Inola Town Council imposing a moratorium on heavy industrial construction until April 2027\. Additionally, a referendum is planned for spring 2027 to potentially ban aluminum smelting in the town. The Tulsa-Rogers County Port Authority has responded by suing Inola for obstructing industrial development.

Efforts to address environmental concerns include Century Aluminum's submission of an updated environmental plan, reducing permitted fluoride emissions by 37%. The company is also collaborating with Tulsa Innovation Labs on workforce development to support the project.

**What This Means for Your Business**  
The Inola smelter project represents a significant opportunity for U.S. contractors and suppliers in the AECM industry, with potential contracts related to construction, engineering, and environmental compliance. The project’s success could bolster domestic aluminum production, reducing reliance on imports and fostering a more resilient supply chain. However, businesses must navigate the regulatory landscape and community opposition, which could impact project timelines and costs.

For government contractors, the project's alignment with bipartisan support for U.S. manufacturing reindustrialization signals potential stability in federal and state policy environments, offering a favorable backdrop for long-term investments.

**What US Operators Should Watch**  
Industry stakeholders should monitor the upcoming referendum in Inola and the ongoing legal proceedings involving the Tulsa-Rogers County Port Authority. Additionally, the timeline for construction commencement by the end of 2026 should be observed closely, as any delays could affect contract opportunities and project planning.

With the Cherokee Nation's opposition potentially influencing regional political dynamics, businesses must stay informed about developments that could impact regulatory compliance and community relations.

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*Source:* [*Manufacturing Dive*](https://www.manufacturingdive.com/news/century-aluminum-ceo-oklahoma-project-on-track-community-concerns-q3-2026/873971/?ref=industrialbriefs.com)*.* [*Read the original story ->*](https://www.manufacturingdive.com/news/century-aluminum-ceo-oklahoma-project-on-track-community-concerns-q3-2026/873971/?ref=industrialbriefs.com)