Golden Aluminum selected by U.S. Department of Energy to receive $22.3m IRA & IIJA investment

On March 25, Golden Aluminum was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to begin award negotiations for up to $22.3 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act funding as part of the Industrial Demonstrations Program (IDP).

Golden Aluminum’s Nexcast - Next-Generation Aluminum Mini Mill was selected as one of 33 projects across more than 20 states to receive up to a total of $6.3 billion to demonstrate commercial-scale decarbonisation solutions needed to move energy-intensive industries toward net-zero while strengthening local economies, creating, and maintaining high-quality jobs, and slashing harmful emissions that jeopardize public health.

“For nearly half a century, Golden Aluminum has been proud to lead the aluminium industry in developing sustainable, innovative manufacturing and product solutions,” said Jeff Frim, President & CEO of Golden Aluminum. “This funding from the Department of Energy will allow us to implement the Nexcast Mini-Mill Process, transforming our Fort Lupton operation into a national model for clean energy aluminium strip manufacturing and also places us at the forefront of providing advanced alloys for clean energy products. Working closely with our current employees and local partners, we will continue to develop a skilled and high-paid workforce in the Fort Lupton community and strengthen Golden Aluminum’s commitment to our neighbours.”

The upgrades at Golden Aluminum’s Fort Lupton Mill will reduce natural gas consumption, improve process efficiency, and increase product recycle content, showcasing the United States’ leadership in the global effort to decarbonise the domestic production of critical metals. This investment will also allow Golden Aluminum to supply electric vehicle manufacturers and other clean energy technology developers. Additionally, as the western United States confronts increased water shortages, Nexcast leads the way in enabling the aluminium flat-rolled-products industry to use significantly less water than direct chill technology, enhancing the direct environmental and economic benefits of this federal funding.

Golden Aluminum, Inc. (GAI) is a privately held ISO 9001-certified aluminium casting and rolling mill manufacturing facility based in Fort Lupton, Colorado. The company was founded by Bill Coors and the Coors Brewing Company in 1982 to achieve his vision of manufacturing aluminium beverage cans exclusively from 100% recycled material. GAI has been a leading innovator in sustainable aluminium production over its 40-plus-year history. The company primarily produces high-magnesium alloys for food & beverage, automotive, and building & construction industries.