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| Century Aluminum Company |
Brimstone and Century Aluminum signed an MoU to build a resilient US aluminum supply chain. As a result, this partnership establishes a domestic "mine to metal" production system for primary aluminum. Currently, foreign sources dominate global alumina production and expose domestic markets to high supply risks.
Mitigating China’s Alumina Dominance
China currently controls approximately 60 percent of global alumina and aluminum production. In contrast, the United States produces less than one-sixth of its consumed aluminum. Therefore, Brimstone will supply Century Aluminum with domestic alumina extracted from US-quarried rock. This initiative effectively reduces import reliance and strengthens the overall US aluminum supply chain.
Timeline for Domestic Production Facilities
Brimstone plans to launch its Nevada demonstration plant in 2028 to kickstart domestic operations. Meanwhile, the company targets 2034 for its first industrial-scale plant to achieve full production. This upcoming facility will produce 350,000 tonnes of smelter-grade alumina annually. Simultaneously, Century Aluminum expanded its capacity by restarting its Mt. Holly facility in South Carolina.
ScrapInsight Commentary
This MoU marks a critical strategic shift toward mineral independence, directly impacting long-term primary aluminum price stability. By utilizing non-bauxite US rock, the venture bypasses traditional supply bottlenecks and aligns with domestic decarbonization goals. Consequently, secondary scrap markets must prepare for an influx of integrated domestic primary metal over the next decade.
