Golden Aluminum Secures $22.3 Million in U.S. Funding for Next-Gen Mini Mill Upgrade

Golden Aluminum has been awarded $22.3 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) to advance its Nexcast - Next Generation Aluminum Mini Mill project. The funding, granted in November 2024, will support the upgrade of the company’s Fort Lupton facility in northern Colorado.

The Nexcast project aims to reduce natural gas consumption, enhance process efficiency, and increase the recycling of mixed-grade aluminum scrap by approximately 15%. These improvements will enable the facility to produce high-quality aluminum products tailored for electric vehicles and other clean energy technologies.

Golden Aluminum’s planned upgrades will also lower air pollution through the use of low-nitrogen oxide (NOx) burners or similar technologies. The company anticipates achieving a 60% reduction in carbon intensity compared to the industry average.

The project will span four years and include engineering, construction, community engagement, employee training and upskilling, installation, and commissioning of the Nexcast caster along with other facility enhancements.