Inola approves 60-day moratorium affecting proposed EGA-Century smelter

Inola Town Council in Oklahoma approved a 60-day moratorium that temporarily pauses permitting and other development actions tied to heavy industrial facilities, including the proposed primary aluminum smelter backed by Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Century Aluminum.

Council unanimously approved the measure June 29.

Time for review

The ordinance places a moratorium on “all permits, approvals, entitlements and physical administrative advancements” related to construction within the town’s Industrial Heavy District. That covers permits, site plans, rezoning, development agreements, infrastructure improvements and utility agreements.

It also requires council approval before those activities may proceed during the moratorium. The measure would allow the town to review its legal authority while discussions continue.

The review includes developing buffer, setback and operational performance standards for heavy manufacturing while considering whether future projects should require a Specific Use Permit rather than remain a permitted use in the Industrial Heavy District.

The moratorium will remain in effect for 60 days unless the council modifies or lifts it sooner.

Nicholas Bell

Nicholas brings over half a decade of experience covering metals markets, pricing trends, and supply chain dynamics. Prior to joining AMU, he reported on aluminum, high-temperature scrap, and ferro-alloy markets at Argus Media, with additional coverage of minor metals and rare earths. His work has built deep expertise in North American metals pricing and trade flows. A native of Houston, Nicholas holds a bachelor’s degree in Media Production and an MBA with a concentration in Finance, both from the University of Houston.