Australia Bans Alumina Exports to Russia

Australia has imposed an immediate export ban on alumina and aluminium ores, including bauxite, to Russia, the government said on Sunday as part of ongoing sanctions against Moscow for the invasion of Ukraine. 

The Australian government said in a joint statement with several ministers,” Russia relies on Australia for nearly 20% of its alumina needs.” The statement further said that this will limit Russia’s capacity to produce aluminium, which is critical export for the country.

The statement also included, “ The government will work closely with exporters and peak bodies that will be affected by the ban in order to find out new markets and expand its existing markets.”

Rio Tinto, a major British mining company, is a joint venture with Rusal International PJSC of Russia, the world's second-largest producer of aluminium, and owns an 80% stake in Queensland Aluminum Ltd.

Australia also imposed sanctions on two Russian businessmen with links to its mining industry. The country has imposed a total of 476 sanctions on 443 individuals including most of Russia’s banking sector and all entities responsible for sovereign debt.

The government of Australia has also said that it would donate 70,000 tonnes of thermal coal to Ukraine to meet its energy needs. The coal producers in Australia have been bombarded with calls for supply over the past weeks from Ukraine and other countries like Poland.

Whitehaven Coal arranged for delivery, and the government is currently working with the company and the Ukrainian and Polish governments to deliver supplies as soon as possible, the statement said.