Century Aluminum has begun production of the first hot metal at its Mt Holly, S.C, plant following an expansion project.
Century expects to reach full production by the end of June 2026.
The expansion project will increase total US primary aluminium production by 10% and has already created over 125 jobs in South Carolina.
Jesse Gary, President and CEO, of Century Aluminum, said: “We’re so proud to be doing our part to increase domestic production of this critical mineral and expand on our position as the largest producer of primary aluminum in the United States.
“President’s Trump’s Section 232 aluminum tariff is driving record investment in American aluminum production.
"The case for domestic production is stronger than ever, with supply chain disruptions abroad again demonstrating the need for a resilient domestic supply of this critical metal that is essential to US economic and national security.”
In addition to the Mt. Holly expansion project, Century said in January it would join forces with Emirates Global Aluminum to build the first primary aluminium smelter in the USA in nearly 50 years.
The new Oklahoma-based smelter will create another 750,000 tonnes of capacity, which will double current US capacity.
It is expected to be the largest single investment in the production of a critical metal in US history and will add more than 1,000 direct jobs and 4,000 construction jobs