Irish refinery linked to complex supply chain
Leaked records and public data indicate that Aughinish alumina exports from Ireland to Russia form part of a supply chain ending with Russian arms producers. The Aughinish refinery, on the Shannon estuary, belongs to Russian aluminium group Rusal and serves as Ireland’s only alumina producer, the primary raw material for aluminium.
Exports surged after Ukraine invasion
Exports to Russian smelters rose sharply after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Ireland sent $243 million of alumina to Russia in 2022, increasing by 55% to $376 million in 2024. Alumina shipments remain legal, as the EU has not sanctioned the commodity.
Supply chain complexity challenges sanctions
Experts warn that multi-tier defence supply chains make it difficult to track materials to their end users. Prof Aristides Matopoulos of Cranfield University said the chain – from bauxite to alumina, smelter, intermediary, and weapons producer – can appear compliant while still supplying sanctioned users.
Rusal ships alumina to Russian sites, including a Krasnoyarsk smelter, where workers convert it into aluminium. Public records show Aughinish exported almost 500,000 tonnes of alumina to Krasnoyarsk in 2024. That volume represented about two-thirds of the smelter’s alumina imports and roughly 25% of its annual aluminium output.
Connections to Russian arms producers
Leaked records suggest Rusal’s aluminium reaches Russian defence firms through its trading firm, Aluminium Sales Company (ASK). These firms produce missiles, explosives, and long-range bombers used in Ukraine. Between February 2022 and April 2025, Russian defence contracts bought $337 million of aluminium via ASK.
Company and government responses
Aughinish and Rusal stress they comply with EU laws. A company spokesperson said: “We operate in strict compliance with all applicable EU laws, including sanctions, export control measures and trade regulations. Alumina and aluminium serve broad civilian purposes and support thousands of workers and families.”
Ireland’s Department of Enterprise said EU sanctions do not cover alumina exports. The department reaffirmed Ireland’s support for Ukraine and its commitment to enforce sanctions once they take effect.
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