The US needs more aluminium -- and it needs it now

President Donald Trump said the U.S. “desperately” needs more aluminium, pointing to a major new smelter in Oklahoma tied to a Pentagon shortfall—especially for high-purity aluminium (HPA). The Inola project is a joint venture between Century Aluminum and Emirates Global Aluminium and is backed by $500 million in federal funds. But even if construction starts by year-end, hot-metal production would take at least three years, too slow for Defense needs. A Defense Logistics Agency wargame last year warned no option could meet HPA and other requirements within two years. Repairs at the UAE’s Al Taweelah smelter are underway after a March attack, but full capacity will take time.