Washington, D.C. – January 15, 2025 – Today marks a significant milestone in advancing U.S. aluminum production and strengthening America’s supply chain resilience. Century Aluminum has entered into Phase One of a four-phase agreement under a Department of Energy (DOE) grant initiative, originally extended in March 2024. This pivotal step reflects a strong commitment to bolstering domestic aluminum manufacturing capacity, reducing reliance on imports, and fortifying critical supply chains integral to national security and economic growth.
Aluminum, a cornerstone material for industries from defense to infrastructure, plays a vital role in ensuring U.S. economic and energy security. This contract underscores the importance of increasing domestic production to counteract vulnerabilities in global supply chains and mitigate the strategic risks posed by overreliance on imports, particularly from nations like China.
“America’s ability to lead again on production of critical materials like aluminum is essential to safeguarding its economic sovereignty and reducing exposure to geopolitical adversaries who seek to dominate global supply chains,” said Joe Quinn, Executive Director, Center for Strategic Industrial Materials. “This announcement sends a strong market signal that the U.S. is prioritizing industrial resurgence in critical sectors and reinforcing its leadership in sustainable and strategic materials production.”
While the location and energy infrastructure for the new smelter remain undecided, this agreement represents an important victory for the nation’s commitment to revitalizing its manufacturing capabilities. This achievement aligns with efforts to modernize U.S. energy systems, integrate sustainable practices, and promote industrial innovation, ensuring the country’s competitiveness on a global scale.
SAFE continues to lead the conversation on metals production, energy policy, and trade resilience. As part of our mission, we remain focused on advancing policies that enhance America’s ability to produce critical materials domestically, supporting economic security, and safeguarding against foreign economic coercion.
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About SAFE
SAFE is an action-oriented, nonpartisan organization committed to transportation, energy, and supply chain policies that advance the economic and national security of the United States, its partners, and allies. SAFE has convened business and former military leaders since 2004 to support secure, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions. Learn more at secureenergy.org.
SAFE’s Center for Strategic Industrial Materials (C-SIM) is dedicated to advancing resilient and secure supply chains for the industrial materials critical to America’s national and economic security. The Center collaborates with producers, buyers, government, and NGOs to achieve tangible policy outcomes that enhance domestic industry supply chain reliability in a global market.
