Century Aluminum invests $50M to restart Lowcountry smelter

Century Aluminum Company plans to restart production of more than 50,000 metric tons of product in its Mount Holly smelter, investing $50 million in the effort.  

The investment will create 100 new jobs and boost its domestic production by 10%, accordign to a news release. The plant is currently working at 75% capacity, but will get back to full production by June 30, 2026. 

Century Aluminum credits the restart as a result to President Donald Trump’s application of Section 232 tariffs, which will increase tariffs on aluminum imports by 50%, according to the release. 

“Today’s announcement was made possible by President Trump’s commitment to onshoring manufacturing of critical metals, protecting America’s national security, and to protecting American workers in our industry whose expertise is needed to ensure future generations do not have to rely on foreign supplies to build our communities and grow our economy,” Century Aluminum CEO Jesse Gary said in the release. “Our team stands ready to continue leading the resurgence of domestic primary aluminum, starting with bringing our Mt. Holly smelter back to full production.” 

The Mount Holly smelter has an economic impact of more than $890 million annually at full production, with an average wage of $100,000 for Century Aluminum employees, the company says.

Century Aluminum was helped by its power supplier, Santee Cooper, to reach a contract to purchase additional power that will extend to 2031, according to the release.