Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce announced a historic investment in Oklahoma as Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world’s largest producer of ‘premium aluminum’, has selected the state as the preferred site for the first new primary aluminum production plant to be built in the United States in 45 years. The $4 billion project is expected to create 1,000 direct jobs, 1,800 indirect jobs and enhance Oklahoma’s ability to significantly grow its base of additional manufacturing jobs.
“This is a monumental day for Oklahoma,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “We are proud to welcome Emirates Global Aluminum to our state and excited for the generational impact this investment will have on our future. As President Donald Trump looks to onshore our nation’s supply chain for critical minerals, Oklahoma is leading the way in this sector. Thanks to our pro-business environment, Oklahoma is quickly becoming the critical minerals headquarters of the United States.”
The facility will be located on more than 350 acres at the Tulsa Port of Inola, a 2,200-acre industrial park with access to rail, barge transportation and global waterways. Once complete, the facility will be the largest of its kind in the U.S., producing billets, sheet ingots, high-purity aluminum, and foundry alloys. The project reflects President Trump’s vision for bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. and will almost double the nation’s domestic aluminum production.
EGA demonstrated their dedication to Oklahoma by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Governor Stitt on Monday, April 21, which detailed the conditions of EGA’s investment in the state. The agreement is contingent upon the Oklahoma Legislature approving the terms outlined in the MOU.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “The United States has been an important market for EGA for several decades, and we know there is strong demand for our high-quality metal ‘made in America’. EGA has the skills, technology and capital to start rebuilding this great American industry, and in Oklahoma I am confident we will secure the right conditions to do so. This is an important moment for EGA, and for the economic relationship between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.”
This announcement is part of President Trump and the White House's unveiling of $200 billion in commercial agreements between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
"Oklahoma proudly stands with President Trump in the mission to bring manufacturing back to American soil," House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "The Legislative Evaluation and Development Committee (LEAD) has thoroughly vetted this project, and our Legislature is committed to advancing the Trump Administration’s America First agenda for our workers and families."
"Oklahoma’s selection as the preferred site for the first new primary aluminum production plant built in the United States in nearly half a century is a landmark achievement for our state," Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle. "This is a clear testament to the work we’ve done to make Oklahoma a more attractive destination for business growth and innovation. I applaud the executive branch, the Legislature and everyone who has been involved for the hard work it has taken to get us where we are today.”
“This announcement catapults Oklahoma to the forefront of the critical minerals and aluminum industry in the United States,” said John Budd, CEO of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. “EGA choosing Oklahoma also unlocks the ability for us to compete successfully for opportunities we haven’t been able to pursue in the past. I can’t wait to see how this project transforms the economy in Northeast Oklahoma and across the entire state.”
Tulsa Ports is thrilled to welcome Emirates Global Aluminium to the Tulsa Port of Inola,” said Deanne Hughes, Board Chair, Tulsa Ports. “Their decision to locate here reflects the commitment of the Port Authority and our partners to the development of infrastructure that supports significant growth in our region. EGA’s presence will spur new permanent job creation, substantially increase waterway shipping on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System and open the door to new opportunities for Oklahoma. Furthermore, tax revenues from this project will support the construction of new school facilities, as well as potable water enhancements for the community of Inola.
Aluminum produced in Oklahoma will support the aerospace and defense sectors—Oklahoma’s fastest-growing industry—as well as the automotive, food and beverage, and other critical industries.