Oklahoma Primary Aluminum has released a new economic impact study for its proposed USD 4 billion primary aluminium facility at the Tulsa Port of Inola, projecting a cumulative USD 49 billion contribution to the state’s economy through 2060.
The study, prepared by Regional Economic Models Inc, describes the project as a “generational economic anchor” for northeastern Oklahoma, with thousands of jobs, higher household income and significant annual additions to state and national GDP. It was published as the developers face a local construction moratorium, a planned referendum and ongoing environmental and legal reviews.
The joint venture between Emirates Global Aluminium and Century Aluminum says the 750,000-metric-tonne-per-year smelter would:
Generate approximately 7,000 Oklahoma jobs on average per year over the life of the project, with employment peaking at more than 10,600 in 2029 as construction winds down and operations ramp up.
Add an average of USD 1.45 billion per year to Oklahoma’s GDP, representing nearly 0.7 per cent of the state’s economy, and an average of USD 2.2 billion per year to US GDP.
Deliver about USD 911 million per year in direct, indirect and induced household income to Oklahoma families.
Create at least 1,000 permanent direct jobs in operations, with average annual compensation of approximately USD 100,000, plus around 5,000 indirect and induced jobs and more than 4,000 temporary construction jobs. The developers describe the project as the largest single economic development project in Oklahoma history and the largest advanced-manufacturing anchor in northeastern Oklahoma.