Century Aluminum (CENX) and Emirates Global Aluminum announced plans Monday to build the first new primary aluminum production plant in the U.S. since 1980, in a joint venture to be owned 60% by EGA and 40% by Century. The new plant, to be built in Inola, Oklahoma, is expected to produce 750K metric tons/year of aluminum, larger than previously planned and more than doubling current U.S. production. Aluminum is a critical strategic material that is used in military vehicles, aircraft, and renewable energy systems. The aluminum industry directly employs over 164,000 workers and indirectly employs another 535,000 workers. It is lightweight, and its strength makes it essential in decarbonizing power and transportation, improving the efficiency of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.