Drummond seeks injunction to block proposed aluminum smelter in Inola, Oklahoma

Attorney General Gentner Drummond has filed a motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to block construction of a proposed aluminum smelting complex in Inola while his lawsuit against the project is decided.

The motion was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma ahead of the Aug. 28 expiration of Inola’s moratorium on new construction at the site.

Key Takeaways

Inola aluminum smelter: Drummond is seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent construction.
Project size: The proposed facility would cover about 633 acres and produce more than 750,000 metric tons of aluminum annually.
Environmental impact: Drummond’s filing raises concerns about fluoride and other air pollutant emissions.
Public funding: The release says the project could receive up to $500 million in federal funding and about $255 million in state performance-based rebates.

Inola city council members unanimously approved the 60-day moratorium during an hours-long meeting in late June in response to growing concern from the public. A representative from the U.S. Department of Energy urged councilors not to pass the moratorium, touting new technology, while developers said the project would bring new jobs and boost the economy.

What is planned for the Inola site?

The proposed Oklahoma Primary Aluminum facility would occupy about 633 acres along the Verdigris River, within roughly three miles of Inola schools, homes, and farms.

According to the filing, the plant would have a planned capacity exceeding 750,000 metric tons of aluminum annually. Emirates Global Aluminium holds a 60% interest in the project, while Century Aluminum holds 40%.
Drummond argues construction should remain on hold while environmental, health, and other concerns are considered.

IN-DEPTH REPORT: What environmental research says about Oklahoma’s proposed Inola aluminum smelter

Environmental concerns raised in court filing

Drummond also filed a declaration from engineer and environmental expert Dr. Ranajit Sahu. The release says the project’s application projects annual emissions including:

87,182 tons of carbon monoxide
731 tons of particulate matter
425 tons of total fluoride compounds
187 tons of highly toxic air pollutants

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality has suspended its review of the project’s air-permit application, according to the release.

Sen. Jame Lankford said the Inola project presents both economic opportunities and environmental concerns that need to be addressed.

Governor’s race impact

Drummond, who filed this injunction in his capacity as Oklahoma Attorney General, is also running for Oklahoma’s Governor’s seat. He faces Mike Mazzei in the August 25 runoff for the Republican spot on the November ticket.

MORE INSIGHT: Conflict of interest, political motivation dominate Inola smelter Gov. debate answers

The smelter has become a key issue in the race. Mazzei, who initially did not support the project, changed his stance after he said he learned more about the financial benefits of the Inola smelter.

Why did Mike Mazzei change his stance on Inola aluminum smelter project?

Democratic candidate for Oklahoma Governor, Cyndi Munson, has also spoken out against the project, saying in a statement sent to News 9 and News On 6 earlier this year, “I have and will always stand up to corporations that want to come to our state and take advantage of our people and our natural resources. In 2025, I voted against HB2781, the package that started this massive tax giveaway to this out-of-state and foreign corporation, before it became a talking point to leverage in the gubernatorial race. I have been and remain concerned about the environmental impact that this smelter will have on our air and water.”

MORE REPORTING: What Did President Trump Say in His New Mike Mazzei Campaign Video? Full Transcript and What It Means for Oklahoma’s Governor Race

FAQ

What is being announced?

Drummond filed a motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to block construction of the proposed Oklahoma Primary Aluminum facility.

Where is it happening?
The proposed smelter would be built along the Verdigris River near Inola in Rogers County.

Why does it matter?
Drummond argues the project could affect public health, agriculture, natural resources, and the regional electric grid.

What happens next?
Drummond is asking the federal court to keep construction on hold while the lawsuit proceeds and to resolve a pending request to return the case to Rogers County District Court.