Oklahoma Smelter Study Projects $49 Billion Economic Impact
Oklahoma Primary Aluminum says its Inola plant will add $49 billion to the state economy by 2060. The study details job creation and local income gains.
Key points
- The study projects a $49 billion cumulative economic impact for Oklahoma through 2060.
- The facility will create an average of 7,000 jobs annually, peaking at over 10,600.
- Direct, indirect, and induced household income will increase by $911 million per year.
Oklahoma Primary Aluminum released a new economic study. It covers its proposed Inola smelter. The report projects a $49 billion cumulative impact. This figure applies to the state economy through 2060.
The joint venture includes Emirates Global Aluminium and Century Aluminum. They plan a $4 billion facility at the Tulsa Port of Inola. Regional Economic Models Inc prepared the analysis. It highlights potential growth for northeastern Oklahoma.
Projected jobs and income growth
The smelter would create 7,000 average annual jobs. Employment will peak at over 10,600 in 2029. The project adds $1.45 billion yearly to Oklahoma GDP. This equals nearly 0.7 percent of the state economy.
Household income would rise by $911 million annually. This includes direct, indirect, and induced effects. The company cites at least 1,000 permanent direct jobs. Average pay for these roles is about $100,000.
Construction will employ roughly 4,000 workers for three years. More than 12 percent of these are apprentice roles. That translates to 375 to 500 positions. The developers call this the largest project in state history.
Local training and infrastructure plans
The company partners with four local educational institutions. These include Rogers State University and Oklahoma State University. Partners also include Northeast Tech and Tulsa Technology Center. They offer technical training and engineering degrees.
Separate funding covers regional infrastructure upgrades. The estimate is $400 to $500 million. Federal grants and state incentives help fund this. Projects include port upgrades and a new electric substation.
Environmental controls and supply role
The plant uses EGA's EX reduction cell technology. This design aims to improve energy efficiency. It also meets strict safety and environmental rules. The facility will feature enclosed production units.
Advanced scrubbers capture 99 percent of process fluoride. The plant meets the lowest US fluoride emission limits. Regulatory oversight comes from state and federal agencies. The US currently imports 85 percent of its primary aluminium.
