Aughinish Alumina Plant Under Scrutiny for Alleged Links to Russian Military Production
Europe's largest alumina refinery, Aughinish Alumina in Limerick, faces scrutiny for alleged links to Russian military production. Despite reports tracing its exports to sanctioned Russian manufacturers, the plant remains unsanctioned. This has led to demands from EU politicians for its inclusion in the next round of EU sanctions.
The Aughinish Alumina plant in Limerick, Europe's largest alumina refinery, is facing renewed scrutiny over its alleged links to Russia's military production. Campaigners, politicians, and petitioners are demanding answers as to why the plant, which exports approximately 50% of its material to Russia, is not included in EU sanctions, despite reports suggesting its exports contribute to Russian weapons manufacturing.
The plant, bought in 2007 by Russian conglomerate Rusal, was founded by Oleg Deripaska, a close associate of Vladimir Putin. While Deripaska was sanctioned by the US in 2018, sanctions against Rusal were lifted in 2019 after he reduced his stake below 50%. The EU sanctioned Deripaska in 2022 but has never sanctioned Rusal, with the Irish Government lobbying against measures that would threaten local jobs.
Recent investigations, including one by The Irish Times and OCCRP in March, used trade data and leaked documents to trace Aughinish alumina through Russian supply chains to sanctioned military manufacturers. This evidence has intensified calls for sanctions. On May 6, European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno and 39 MEPs wrote to the European Commission, demanding alumina exports be included in the next round of EU sanctions, citing the unacceptability of a Russian-owned company in an EU member state supplying the Kremlin's military industry.