Russian firm Rusal has removed nearly 500,000 tonnes of aluminum raw material from Ireland—material that could potentially be used for Russian weaponry, - media
The Aughinish Alumina plant in Ireland, owned by the Russian aluminum giant Rusal, continues to supply hundreds of thousands of metric tons of alumina to Russia. Investigators have found that aluminum produced from this raw material may be ending up with Russian arms manufacturers.
The Associated Press reports this, citing an investigation by OCCRP and The Irish Times, according to Censor.NET.
Aughinish Alumina is the largest producer of alumina in Europe. The plant is owned by the Russian company Rusal, and its products are used in aluminum smelting.
This metal has both civilian and military applications. In particular, it is used in the manufacture of missiles, drones, and military aircraft.
According to estimates by the activist group Alumina 22, the plant shipped 491,307 metric tons of alumina to Russia between March and October 2026.
How Raw Materials from Ireland Might End Up in the Russian Defense Industry
An investigation by OCCRP and The Irish Times found that alumina from an Irish plant is processed into aluminum in Russia.
Some of the metal produced is sold to a trader who supplies aluminum to Russian defense contractors.
Thus, investigators traced the possible route of raw materials from the plant in the EU to companies involved in the production of Russian weapons.
What the factory and the Irish government are saying
Representatives of Aughinish Alumina deny any connection between their products and military supply chains.
The company claims that it conducts independent monthly inspections to verify that its products are being used properly.
A representative of the Irish government also stated that there is no evidence that raw materials from the plant are being used to manufacture Russian weapons.
The EU has not yet banned the export of alumina to Russia
Despite the full-scale war against Ukraine, exports of alumina to Russia are not subject to the European Union's sanctions ban.
In July, the European Parliament called for a ban on such shipments, but alumina was not included in the EU's 21st sanctions package.
The European Commission is currently gauging the positions of member states regarding possible restrictions. Unanimous support from all 27 EU countries is required to adopt sanctions.
At the same time, David O'Sullivan, the EU Special Envoy for Sanctions, stated that he had no doubt about the connection between the shipments and the Russian military-industrial complex.
According to him, alumina is supplied to Russian metallurgical enterprises, whose products are, at least in part, used by the Russian defense industry.
According to estimates by the Economic Security Council of Ukraine, Ireland currently supplies about 17% of Rusal's alumina needs.
After the full-scale invasion began, Russia lost approximately 40% of its supply of this raw material due to the suspension of exports from facilities in Ukraine and Australia.
