Oklahoma AG Sues to Block Major Aluminum Smelter Project
Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a lawsuit to block Emirates Global Aluminum and Century Aluminum from building a 750,000 metric ton smelter in Inola. The legal challenge cites environmental concerns and foreign ownership ties just days after Donald Trump endorsed Drummond's primary rival.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a lawsuit on Tuesday to block CENTURY ALUMINUM COMPANY and Emirates Global Aluminum from building a $4 billion smelter. The legal challenge targets what would be the first new primary aluminum plant built in the United States since 1980. The dispute threatens a project designed to produce 750,000 metric tons of aluminum annually to reduce reliance on foreign imports.
### Political Friction Over Industrial Expansion Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who was elected to his post in 2022 and is now running for governor, alleges the proposed facility in Inola would release pollutants harmful to local ranching. The lawsuit specifically highlights the 60% controlling stake held by Emirates Global Aluminum, which Drummond described as answering to the United Arab Emirates.
