Oklahoma AG Seeks Injunction to Halt $4B Aluminum Smelter Project Amid Environmental Concerns

Published: Aug 12, 2026 09:27

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[SMM Aluminum Express News] Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has asked a federal court for a preliminary injunction to halt construction of the proposed US$4 billion primary aluminum smelter in Inola while his lawsuit seeking to block the project proceeds. The motion, filed on August 11 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, comes ahead of the town’s construction moratorium expiring on August 28. If granted, the injunction would prevent site preparation, land alteration, foundation work and other construction activities. The proposed Oklahoma Primary Aluminum smelter would have capacity exceeding 750,000 tonnes per year and is planned as a 60:40 venture between Emirates Global Aluminium and Century Aluminum. Drummond’s challenge cites potential environmental, agricultural, water and electricity-grid impacts, including expected continuous power demand of more than 1,000 MW. The developers dispute the allegations and said the injunction motion contains mischaracterizations that overlook scientific and regulatory facts.

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