There's a new $4 billion Aluminum plant coming to Oklahoma

And it's coming in hot!

May 16, 2025

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world's largest producer of premium aluminum, has announced a significant investment of $4 billion to establish a new primary aluminum production plant at the Tulsa Port of Inola, Oklahoma. This project marks the first new primary aluminum smelter to be built in the United States in 45 years, representing a landmark achievement for Oklahoma's economic development and the national manufacturing sector.

Project Details

The new facility will be located on over 350 acres at the Tulsa Port of Inola, a 2,200-acre industrial park with access to rail, barge transportation, and global waterways. This strategic location enhances the plant's connectivity to domestic and international markets. The investment is expected to create approximately 1,000 direct jobs and 1,800 indirect jobs, significantly boosting the local economy and supporting additional manufacturing opportunities in the region.

The project aligns with efforts to strengthen the U.S. supply chain for critical minerals, as highlighted by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. On May 16, 2025, EGA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Governor Stitt, outlining the conditions of the investment and solidifying their commitment to the state.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Oklahoma's selection as the site for this facility underscores the state's pro-business environment and its growing reputation as a hub for critical minerals production. State officials, including Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, have emphasized that this investment reflects Oklahoma's attractiveness as a destination for business growth and innovation. The plant is expected to have a generational impact, enhancing the state's manufacturing capabilities and contributing to national efforts to onshore critical supply chains.

The announcement has garnered attention at the federal level, with the White House issuing a fact sheet on May 15, 2025, highlighting EGA's investment as a key development in strengthening U.S. industrial capacity. Posts on X have also noted that the project aligns with economic policies aimed at boosting domestic production and avoiding tariffs on foreign aluminum.

Context and Challenges

The U.S. aluminum industry has faced challenges in recent years, with a decline in primary aluminum production due to plant closures and reliance on imports. For instance, Alcoa's CEO has warned that proposed tariffs on aluminum imports could impact jobs and may not be sufficient to restart idled facilities without clarity on their duration. The EGA investment in Inola, however, represents a countertrend, signaling confidence in the U.S. market and Oklahoma's infrastructure.

The Tulsa Port of Inola has been the focus of ongoing infrastructure improvements, including a wastewater treatment project slated for completion by October 2026. These developments enhance the region's capacity to support large-scale industrial projects like the EGA smelter.

What’s Next?

The $4 billion investment by Emirates Global Aluminium in a new aluminum plant at the Tulsa Port of Inola is a transformative development for Oklahoma and the U.S. aluminum industry. By creating thousands of jobs, enhancing domestic production, and leveraging strategic infrastructure, the project positions Oklahoma as a leader in critical minerals and manufacturing. As the first new primary aluminum smelter in the U.S. in nearly half a century, this initiative marks a significant step toward revitalizing American industry.

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