Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), a premium aluminum producer based in the UAE, and US aluminum producer Century Aluminum finalized a joint venture to construct the first US primary aluminum plant since 1980.

Located at the Tulsa Port of Inola, the smelter will produce 750,000 tons of aluminum annually, more than doubling current domestic output. EGA holds a 60% stake, while Century owns the remaining 40%.

The project utilizes EGA’s advanced EX technology to supply industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to national defense.

Construction is expected to begin by the end of this year, with production planned to start by the end of the decade.

This development brings 1,000 permanent jobs and 4,000 construction jobs to Oklahoma. By expanding the domestic supply of this critical metal, the partnership reduces reliance on imports, which currently meet 85% of American demand.