Century Aluminum Company (NASDAQ: CENX) has commenced production of its first hot metal following the successful expansion of its Mt Holly smelter in South Carolina. The development marks a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to scale up domestic aluminum production and reinforce its leadership position in the United States.
The Mt Holly expansion is expected to reach full production capacity by the end of June 2026 and will increase total US primary aluminum output by approximately 10%. The project has already generated more than 125 new jobs in South Carolina, contributing to regional economic growth and strengthening the domestic manufacturing base.
With this expansion, Century Aluminum further consolidates its standing as the largest producer of primary aluminum in the country. The company continues to focus on enhancing operational efficiency and meeting rising demand for aluminum across key industries.
In a parallel development, Century Aluminum recently announced a strategic partnership with Emirates Global Aluminum to establish the first new primary aluminum smelter in the United States in nearly five decades. The proposed facility, to be located in Oklahoma, is expected to add 750,000 tonnes of annual production capacity—effectively doubling current U.S. output.
The Oklahoma project is projected to be one of the most significant investments in domestic aluminum manufacturing, creating over 1,000 direct jobs and approximately 4,000 construction roles. It is also expected to play a critical role in strengthening the U.S. supply chain for aluminum, a material widely used in transportation, construction, packaging, and defense applications.
Commenting on the progress, Jesse Gary, President and Chief Executive Officer of Century Aluminum, said the company remains focused on expanding domestic production capacity and supporting long-term industrial resilience. He highlighted the importance of a strong domestic supply chain amid ongoing global disruptions and emphasized that policy measures such as Section 232 tariffs have encouraged renewed investment in the sector.
Headquartered in Chicago, Century Aluminum operates primary aluminum smelting facilities in the United States and Iceland and holds a majority stake in the Jamalco Alumina Refinery in Jamaica. The company continues to invest in strategic initiatives aimed at increasing production capacity and ensuring a stable supply of this critical industrial metal. The Mt Holly expansion represents a key step in Century Aluminum’s broader growth strategy, positioning the company to meet evolving market demand while supporting domestic manufacturing and economic security.
