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Highlights

  • Extension ensures stable electricity supply for Mt. Holly smelter through 2031.
  • Century Aluminum to invest USD 50M to restart idle production capacity.
  • Restart expected to add 100 jobs and increase output by 50,000 metric tons.

Century Aluminum Company (NASDAQ:CENX) has finalized an extension of its long-term power agreement with the South Carolina Public Service Authority (Santee Cooper), securing energy supply for its Mt. Holly smelter near Charleston until 2031. The agreement represents a significant step toward restarting the plant’s idle capacity and advancing production expansion plans.

Currently operating at approximately 75% capacity, the Mt. Holly smelter is expected to resume full-scale operations by early summer 2026, marking its first complete restart since 2015.

Investment and Capacity Expansion

The company plans to invest around USD 50M to reactivate the idle portion of the Mt. Holly facility, increasing annual production by 50,000 metric tons. This expansion is expected to raise total U.S. primary aluminum output by 10%.

The restart will generate over 100 new jobs, contributing to regional economic activity. A 2024 University of South Carolina report estimated that Mt. Holly contributes approximately USD 900M annually to the state’s economy, with newly created roles averaging salaries of about USD 125,000.

Century Aluminum credited this progress to its ongoing collaboration with Santee Cooper, which provides the facility’s electricity. The final restart details are subject to confirmation of economic incentives from Berkeley County and the State of South Carolina.

Government and Policy Framework

The company noted that the restart aligns with the Section 232 tariff adjustments introduced under President Trump’s administration to support domestic aluminum production.

“This expansion at our Mt. Holly plant is thanks to President Trump’s hard work to support American manufacturing, which is making it possible to create these important new manufacturing jobs for South Carolinians, along with the hundreds of millions of dollars of economic impact it will have on the surrounding communities where our employees live,” said Jesse Gary, CEO of Century Aluminum.

Century Aluminum and Santee Cooper collaborated closely to reach the agreement.

“I would like to thank the entire Santee Cooper team for their efforts in reaching this power extension to allow us to restart the idle capacity at Mt. Holly. We are excited to continue our relationship as we increase economic opportunity and prosperity for South Carolinians together,” Gary added.

Santee Cooper President and CEO Jimmy Staton stated, “Century Aluminum is a major contributor to economic prosperity in Berkeley County and the entire Charleston region, and they are playing a leading role in regenerating America’s aluminum industry. Santee Cooper is proud to be the power behind Century, supporting the quality products they produce, the important contributions they make to our community, and the quality jobs they provide to our neighbors.”

About Century Aluminum

Century Aluminum is an integrated producer of bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminum. The company operates facilities in the United States, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Jamaica, and is recognized as the largest primary aluminum producer in the U.S.