The majority of primary aluminum producers are located either in the Pacific Northwest (approximately 38% of capacity) or the Ohio River Valley (about 33% of capacity). [AA 2001] Most secondary aluminum smelters are concentrated in the Great Lakes region and southern California. Primary and secondary aluminum producers are located in different regions because of the electricity-intensive nature of primary aluminum production. Primary smelters prefer to locate in regions where hydropower is abundant and electricity rates are lower. Secondary smelters typically locate near major industrial and consumer centers to take advantage of the availability of large amounts of scrap. [DOE 1997, EPA 1995] Foil, sheet, and plate facilities are concentrated in the Ohio River Valley and the mid-Atlantic region. Extruded products facilities are also concentrated in these areas, as well as the Great Lakes region, Texas, and southern California. [AA 1998]

Source: DOC 2001b, BEA 2002