Gov. Kevin Stitt said today he met with top executives from Emirates Global Aluminium and Century Aluminum as the two companies press ahead with plans for a major new smelter at the Tulsa Port of Inola. State and company officials describe the proposed complex as the first new primary aluminum production plant to be built in the United States in nearly 50 years and say it could deliver a multibillion-dollar investment to northeast Oklahoma. They are touting roughly 1,000 permanent on-site jobs and several thousand construction positions as negotiations continue over permits, power and infrastructure.
Had a great meeting today with EGA CEO Abdulnasser Bin Kalban and Century Aluminum CEO Jesse Gary. Together, they are working to build the first new premium aluminum facility in the US in nearly 50 years right here in Oklahoma. This will be a game changer for our state! https://x.com/i/status/2022117613762167283
— Kevin Stitt (@govstitt) February 13, 2026
Deal Terms, Capacity and Jobs
EGA and Century have signed a joint development agreement that focuses their greenfield efforts on the Inola site, with EGA holding a 60 percent stake and Century 40 percent, according to Century Aluminum. Company and state releases put expected annual output at about 750,000 tonnes and forecast roughly 1,000 permanent jobs plus several thousand construction roles, as reported by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
What It Means for U.S. Supply Chains
Backers say the Inola smelter would give a major boost to domestic primary aluminum production and cut reliance on imported metal for industries from aerospace to packaging. Emirates Global Aluminium has framed the investment as a chance to help rebuild American aluminum production and expand a domestic supply chain for high-quality metal, according to Emirates Global Aluminium.
Timeline, Engineering and Power
The partners say detailed engineering work is already underway, with construction expected to begin by the end of 2026 and first hot metal targeted by the end of the decade. Bechtel has been tapped to lead preparatory engineering, and the companies are negotiating a competitive long-term power arrangement with Public Service Company of Oklahoma, according to Bechtel.
Approvals, Incentives and Local Work
The Inola plan builds on a memorandum of understanding EGA signed with the state last year that was tied to legislative approval and infrastructure commitments for the Port of Inola. The Oklahoma House passed the Reindustrialize Oklahoma Act last spring to set up rebate incentives and oversight for projects of this scale, according to local coverage.
Stitt highlighted the latest meeting on X, calling the partnership a game changer for the state as talks continue over final investment terms, permits and power supply, according to Governor Kevin Stitt. Company spokespeople say they will release more project specifics, including final financing, contractors and timelines, once the remaining agreements are in place.
