# EGA project director: Oklahoma smelter construction targeted for early 2027, power deal still in negotiation

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/stories/ega-project-director-oklahoma-smelter-construction-targeted-for-early-7a942a2a
Date: 10 Sep 2026
About: [Emirates Global Aluminium](https://technooptimist.io/companies/emirates-global-aluminium.md) · [Oklahoma primary aluminium smelter](https://technooptimist.io/materials/oklahoma-smelter.md)
Original source: https://www.alcircle.com/news/interview/can-oklahoma-reshape-us-aluminium-supply-egas-ziad-fares-explains-the-project-121131

Ziad Fares, project director for Oklahoma Primary Aluminum, said construction is now targeted for early 2027, later than the end-2026 goal set in January. The start depends on finishing feasibility and permitting, the long-term power agreement with Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and a final investment decision. First hot metal is still expected by the end of the decade.

## Key facts

- Capacity: more than 750,000 t/yr of primary aluminium.
- Estimated investment about US$4 billion, to be fixed at final investment decision.
- Bechtel leads preparatory engineering; ERM coordinates environmental permitting.
- EX is EGA's 10th-generation cell technology.

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